The Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has demanded the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur, holding the state and central governments accountable for failing to ensure civilian safety amid recurring killings and arson in vulnerable areas.
Condemning the killing of three civilians at Khongbal Tangkhul Mamang Ching, allegedly by armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, the human rights organisation questioned the role of security forces stationed in violence-affected areas, alleging that the attackers operated under the protection of the Assam Rifles.
The organisation cited recurring incidents of violence in Litan, Kamjong and Kangpokpi, areas with significant Naga populations, as evidence of persistent concerns over civilian security despite the presence of security forces.
YFPHR also called for an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of human rights violations by security personnel and claims that Assam Rifles personnel had protected poppy cultivation in parts of Manipur, including Ukhrul, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
The organisation said the Chairman of the Unified Command and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh must take decisive action, including removing the Assam Rifles from the state and initiating appropriate action against personnel found responsible for misconduct or failure to protect civilians.
Questioning the government’s commitment to human rights and peace, YFPHR demanded transparent accountability mechanisms and concrete measures to prevent further attacks, stressing that no security force or armed group should operate above the law.
