Village authorities allege ‘Illegal operation’ in Litan

The Leingangching/Laho Litan Village Authorities have alleged that personnel of the 8th Bihar Regiment and Assam Rifles carried out an “unauthorised and biased” operation in and around the Litan Waterfall area on April 21, and condemned the reported destruction of civilian bunkers.
In a statement, the village authorities claimed that the operation was conducted without prior information or coordination with local administrative or traditional institutions, terming it a violation of established procedures.
The statement said the Village Authorities of Leingangching, Sharkaphung and Litan, who are custodians of the ancestral lands, were not informed about the movement of security forces. It further alleged that Litan Police Station was also not notified in advance, raising concerns over adherence to standard security protocols.
The village body also referred to purported video evidence, alleging that central security personnel were seen in coordination with Kuki militants within a sensitive defence zone. The authorities described the situation as alarming and said it has heightened fear among residents.
The destruction of civilian bunkers was strongly criticised, with the authorities stating that the structures were built for defensive purposes to protect villagers amid prevailing security concerns. They termed the demolition unjustified.
Expressing resentment, the village authorities accused the central forces of adopting a prejudiced approach towards local inhabitants and warned that such actions could erode public trust and worsen the security situation.