IT News
Imphal, Mar 15:
The Manipur Naga Youth Organization (MNYO) has expressed profound distress over the indiscriminate firing on innocent women of Makuai village in Tamenglong district by troopers of the 6th Assam Rifles. The incident occurred as a group of women peacefully protested to prevent paramilitary personnel from halting the ongoing training of the village defense force.
A statement by the MNYO said that amidst civil war-like situations in Manipur, the creation of a village volunteer force for safeguarding their communities has become imperative. The MNYO warns that any unforeseen situation could drag Nagas in Manipur into ethnic conflict, potentially spilling over communal violence into Naga-inhabited districts.
“In response, Nagas are urged to formulate a contingency plan to confront any eventuality in case of an attack by either of the conflicting communities in Manipur. With the state machinery faltering and law and order crumbling, both central and state security forces have failed to ensure the safety of people’s lives and properties”, the MNYO said.
Village defense forces have emerged in almost all Naga-inhabited regions of Manipur to protect the Nagas’ land, resources, and people, a statement by MNYO said.
The MNYO expressed strong condemnation to the Assam Rifles’ reckless and cowardly act of firing upon peaceful women assembled for a democratic protest. The MNYO calls upon the Government of India to promptly address this condemnable behavior with severe condemnation.