Over 20 injured as protest against AR outpost turns violent in Ukhrul dist

IMPHAL, JUN 7: At least 22 protesters, most of them women, were injured on Sunday after a protest against the opening of a temporary Assam Rifles outpost at Shokvao village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district turned violent.
The clash took place after days of tension between villagers and security forces over the outpost set up by the 40 Assam Rifles at New Heaven area of Shokvao village. Villagers claimed the outpost was established without the consent of the village authority and described it as “unauthorised”.
According to local sources, the protest began around 3.30 p.m. and continued till late evening. Clashes were reported from the New Heaven area of Shokvao village and Finch Corner of Shangshak village. Villagers, mostly women, reportedly tried to move towards the newly established outpost after their repeated appeals for the withdrawal of troops allegedly received no response.
Security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. Videos circulated on social media showed a tense confrontation between the protesters and security forces. Sounds of gunshots, reportedly fired in the air, could also be heard.
Local sources said at least 22 women were injured and taken to Ukhrul District Hospital for treatment. They also claimed that Mathotmi Kasar, president of Katho Katamnao Long, also known as the Tangkhul Students’ Union, was among those injured.
Tension had been building since June 4, when the Katho Katamnao Long, Katho Long and Katho Women Coordination Committee issued a joint statement condemning the outpost. The organisations alleged that the Assam Rifles had set it up without prior consultation or permission from the village authority.
They further claimed that the move violated village jurisdiction and undermined the authority of the local administration under the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956.
On June 6, the organisations again urged the Assam Rifles to vacate the site and warned that the force would be responsible for any untoward incident arising from its continued presence.