A conglomerate of five prominent civil society organisations in Manipur has strongly condemned the alleged use of force by personnel of the Assam Rifles against villagers protesting the construction of a disputed military outpost in Ukhrul district, questioning the role of security forces tasked with protecting civilians.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, LUP Manga, comprising the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibee Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), expressed serious concern over reports that women and students were injured during a security operation at New Heaven and Finch Corner in Shangshak on June 7.
Calling for accountability and transparency, the organisations urged the authorities to thoroughly examine the incident and provide a clear explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the reported use of force.
The statement was jointly signed by AMUCO president and LUP Manga convenor Sanjoy Sorokhaibam, COHR chairman Phulindro Konsam, PLMPAM president Soraisam Memcha, AMAWOVA president Y. Kunjarani and MSF president Hijam Roshan.