Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, June 30:
The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has accused personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kangpokpi Police of using excessive force against unarmed Naga women protesters during a demonstration at Thonglang along the Imphal–Tamenglong (IT) Road on June 28, and warned that the Government’s failure to deliver justice in the killing of six Naga men is fuelling growing unrest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ANSAM alleged that security personnel, led by Kangpokpi Sub-Divisional Police Officer Lalboi Lunkim, opened fire on women protesters who were demanding justice for the six Naga men who were allegedly abducted, killed and dismembered. The association further alleged that heavy machinery was used to demolish a traditional Naga village gate during the operation.
The student body claimed that spent bullets were recovered from the protest site the following morning, describing the incident as evidence of the alleged use of firearms against civilians. It termed the action a grave violation of democratic rights and questioned the Government’s commitment to ensuring accountability.
Maintaining that the delay in prosecuting those responsible for the killings has intensified public anger, ANSAM said the ongoing economic blockade across Naga-inhabited areas, launched under the United Naga Council (UNC) Charter of Demand, will continue until justice is delivered.
Citing provisions of the Arms Act, 1959, and service regulations governing the use of firearms, ANSAM contended that any unlawful or disproportionate use of force by security personnel must be met with criminal prosecution, departmental inquiry and disciplinary action.
The association demanded a time-bound and impartial investigation into the killings, prosecution of all those responsible, implementation of the UNC Charter of Demand, and assurance that peaceful democratic protests would not be met with excessive force. It also urged security forces to exercise restraint and called for respect for the decisions of Naga village authorities to prevent further escalation.
Reaffirming its support for the ongoing agitation, ANSAM said the movement would continue until justice and accountability are ensured.