Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas, alleging indiscriminate shelling during a clash at Awontang village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on October 17. The council has urged the Central Government to replace the paramilitary force with a “neutral force”, such as the Border Security Force (BSF).
In a statement, the UNC alleged that the Assam Rifles resorted to heavy shelling during a clash between Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) militants and local Naga village volunteers. It said the shelling terrorised civilians and accused the force of aiding the militants, questioning its role as the “Friends of the Hill People”.
The council said the situation escalated on October 18 when KNA-B militants allegedly crossed the border and set fire to the Naga villages of Pilong and Skipe, leaving hundreds of residents homeless.
The UNC condemned the reported cross-border attacks and called on the government to deploy adequate state forces and strengthen police outposts in vulnerable border villages. It also demanded the immediate reversal of the transfer order of the Kamjong Superintendent of Police.
The council further alleged that personnel of the 11 Assam Rifles abducted and tortured N. Chithung, a Naga Village Guard member from Kangpat Khullen, while he was defending his village. According to the statement, Chithung sustained serious head injuries after being struck with rifle butts while in custody.
The UNC also questioned whether there was an understanding between the Assam Rifles and Kuki militants, alleging that the paramilitary force had repeatedly targeted Naga volunteers defending their villages. It called for urgent government intervention to protect residents and their property and prevent further violence in the border areas.