Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Sept 17:
In response to the shocking bomb explosion at the residence of Minister Khashim Vashum, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul community, organized a condemnation rally in Ukhrul on September 16, 2024. The explosion, which occurred on the evening of September 14, 2024, has raised serious concerns throughout the region, prompting public outrage and demands for improved security. The rally highlighted the growing fear of an “alien culture” of violence entering the peaceful town, which has historically been free of such incidents.
The rally, which began at Hamreikhong in Ukhrul, was attended by various community organizations, student groups, and local residents. Under the leadership of TNL Vice President Eno. R.S. Jollyson, the participants marched to the Mini Secretariat, where a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul District. The memorandum demanded immediate action to address the attack.
The TNL’s memorandum strongly condemned the explosion at the residence of Minister Khashim Vashum, who serves as Manipur’s Minister of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Transport. The incident took place at approximately 8:40 PM while the minister was in Imphal, staying at his official quarters.
Although there were no casualties, the blast has created an atmosphere of fear within the community. The TNL emphasized that such violence is foreign to Ukhrul and the Tangkhul community, stating it has no place in the peaceful society they have long maintained.
The memorandum outlined four key demands, including a call for an expedited investigation to apprehend those responsible for the attack. It urged the district administration to implement stricter public safety measures, monitor the entry of non-locals into Ukhrul, and install CCTV cameras at key intersections to enhance security.
The rally saw significant participation, with representatives from various organizations such as Tangkhul Katamnao Long Shaklong (TKS), Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), and Naga People’s Front (NPF), among others, demonstrating the community’s collective concern over the unprecedented violence. The incident has also drawn condemnation from several groups across the region, including the Raphei Katamnao Long (RKL), Northern Raphei Students’ Union (NRSU), and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), who have all demanded justice.
While Minister Khashim Vashum was unharmed in the attack, the bomb explosion has raised critical questions about the security of political leaders and ordinary citizens in the district. The Ukhrul police responded swiftly to the scene, and although no casualties were reported, the investigation is ongoing. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion at the time of this report, leaving the community anxious as authorities work to identify the perpetrators.
The TNL’s rally and memorandum made it clear that such violence would not be tolerated in Ukhrul. The community remains united in calling for swift action from the district administration and law enforcement to prevent further incidents. The rally underscored the determination of the Tangkhul people to preserve peace and security in their town, with a strong message that the “alien culture” of violence must not be allowed to take root.
As the investigation continues, residents of Ukhrul are hopeful that the authorities will act decisively to bring those responsible to justice, restoring the sense of safety that has long defined this hill district.
