By Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Jan 12:
Kamjong District witnessed a dramatic escalation on Sunday as villagers from Kasom Khullen Block stormed the 40th Assam Rifles (AR) makeshift camp at Hongpei. The protest arose from allegations of harassment, unnecessary restrictions, and blatant disrespect shown to Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing.
According to sources on the ground, the confrontation began when Assam Rifles personnel detained timber being transported for private house construction. Villagers claimed the materials, which had been cleared by the Bungdung AR gate, Kasom Khullen police station, and the Forest Department’s check post, were unjustly held without valid reason and beyond the AR’s legal jurisdiction.
Tensions peaked when MLA Leishiyo Keishing, returning from a wedding ceremony, intervened on behalf of the villagers, urging the AR personnel to release the detained timber. However, his request was reportedly met with arrogance. A video circulating online shows the MLA asserting that the jurisdiction belongs to the Manipur Forest Department, yet the AR personnel continued their actions without providing justification.
In response to the perceived disrespect and harassment, women from nearby villages mobilized to protest against the Assam Rifles. Witnesses reported that AR personnel used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowd, further fueling public outrage. Enraged, villagers retaliated by destroying the makeshift AR camp at Hongpei and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the area.
Protesters also emphasized that the recently established AR outpost at Hongpei was set up against the will of the local population. They accused the Assam Rifles of routinely subjecting commuters to arbitrary frisking and harassment, fostering a climate of fear and resentment in the region.
As of this report, MLA Keishing is reportedly engaged in discussions with AR officials to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, protesters, including women, youth, and civil society organizations (CSOs) from villages such as Shingta, Marou, Shingkap, T. Hundung, and Khonglo, remain vigilant to prevent further escalation.
