Sinakeithei women storm Army camp over civilian injury

IT Correspondent
Ukhrul, May 9:
Tension escalated in Sinakeithei village yesterday after a large group of women stormed the camp of the 4 Mahar Regiment, demanding accountability from security forces following the injury of a civilian in alleged firing by suspected Kuki armed militants positioned along the Lungter Hill Range.
The protest erupted after fresh gunfire reportedly left another villager injured, triggering anger among residents who accused security forces of failing to prevent repeated attacks despite heavy deployment in the area.
According to village sources, the women confronted Army personnel at the camp, questioning how armed militants were able to launch attacks despite the continued presence of central forces in Sinakeithei for more than two months. Residents said an additional battalion had also been stationed at nearby Tingpibung village to strengthen security arrangements.
Villagers alleged that an armoured Casspir vehicle was stationed barely 50 metres from the direction where the firing originated, yet no effective response was made to prevent the civilian injury.
The protesting women further stated that local village defenders had earlier been instructed by security forces not to retaliate against armed attacks, with assurances that the Army would take full responsibility for protecting the village.
“We trusted the assurances given by the forces and exercised restraint, but civilians are continuing to suffer,” a woman protester said during the confrontation.
The women also alleged that while villagers were repeatedly advised to remain indoors, bunkers of suspected militants in surrounding hill areas remained intact. At the same time, they claimed defensive structures built by villagers were dismantled during joint operations by central and state forces.
Responding to the protest, the commanding officer of the 4 Mahar Regiment assured residents that security forces remain committed to protecting the village and preventing further violence.