Heavy militarization reported in Ukhrul villages. Against spirit of Framework Agreement, says protestors

July 30, 2018 2130 Views No Comment

Naga Republic News

Heavy military presence of the Assam Rifles has been reported from Phungyar sub division under Ukhrul District even as peace negotiation has been going between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) has been going on for the last 20 years. A likely solution is expected soon based on the Framework Agreement signed between the two entities on August 3, 2015.

According to reports, a medical camp was organised by the 17 Assam Rifles and on the pretext of medical camp around 200 personnel were camping at Marou, Shingta and Lungphu villages. Another 120 personnel were deployed at Itham, Bahoram and Chongdan villages and about 100 personnel at Hongpei village since 27 July 2018. All these villages fall under Phungyar sub division, Ukhrul District.

The presence of such a large number of Assam Rifles personnel in the area even after completion of the medical camp and frisking of the people at Marou, Lungphu Junction, Hongpei and Ramva has created fear psychosis and unrest among the people, sources informed.

A section of the crowd during a public meeting at Ukhrul, Manipur on July 30

A public meeting was held today at Town Hall, Phungreitang Ukhrul against the backdrop of heavy deployment of armed personnel at Shingkap, Marou, Lungphu and Hongpei. The public meeting was called in short notice by Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long. Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the meeting.

President of Tangkhul Shanao Long gave the ground report. A team comprising of Tangkhul frontal organisations visited Shingkap village on 28 July 2018.

President TNL strongly condemned the act and intention to sabotage what he called “the hard earned peace process” and added that it is something the people will not accept. He added that “we have been coexisting peacefully with the Assam Rifles” and that it was very unfortunate to witness the activities of Assam Rifles.

He appealed to the Assam Rifles and State Government to honour the Framework Agreement and immediately withdraw the Assam Rifles in the area in order to maintain peace and tranquility. “The Tangkhuls will be compelled to take up necessary agitation to uphold the Framework Agreement in case of failure to heed to the demand”, added President TNL.

Public meeting underway at Ukhrul, Manipur on July 30

President TNL also advised the gathering to stay alert, united and “to remain steadfast against temptation and other various means to sabotage the peace process”.

S. Shimray, Vice Presidnet of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has strongly condemned the stationing of 17 Assam Rifles personnel at the Marou Primary School. He informed that due to the stationing of hundreds of Assam Rifles personnel at the school premises, the children are afraid of attending schools. He appealed for immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles personnel from the school campus.

The jam packed gathering in unison agreed to submit a memorandum (see below) addressed to the Chief Minister of Manipur through the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul.

The memorandum stated that the security forces have deliberately failed to create conducive atmosphere for peaceful co-existence and have failed to understand the position of peace loving citizen.

“Frisking has given a sense of insecurity and created fear psychosis to the commuters and it is a sign of insincerity on the part of Assam Rifles”. The memorandum mentioned that on the pretext of medical camp under the command of the Commanding Officer 17 AR has heavily militarized the area.

The memorandum also appealed the Chief Minister of Manipur to immediately withdraw all the security forces from the area in order to restore peace and harmony. The Government of Manipur shall be held responsible for any untoward incident, concludes the memorandum.

The memorandum was jointly signed by Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Katamano Long and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long.