Native People's Committee Manipur condemned the alleged assault on women protestors in Ukhrul and demanded the withdrawal of Assam Rifles and abrogation of the SoO agreement.
Imphal, June 10: The Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM) on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged assault on women protestors by Assam Rifles personnel in Ukhrul district and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the force from Manipur, while also calling for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
Addressing a press conference at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, NPCM convenor Ashang Kasar described two recent developments in the state as deeply disturbing and said they had further intensified public anger and mistrust among the indigenous people of Manipur.
NPCM condemned the reported assault, firing and manhandling of women protestors by Assam Rifles personnel during a protest in Ukhrul district on June 7, which reportedly left several women injured.
"The use of force against unarmed women protestors is unacceptable and represents a grave violation of democratic norms and fundamental human rights," Kasar said.
According to NPCM, the incident has reinforced long-standing concerns among the people of Manipur regarding the conduct of certain Central Security Forces operating in the state.
The organisation stated that many residents increasingly view such forces as a source of fear rather than protection and argued that the latest incident has strengthened public demands for the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.
NPCM alleged that instead of acting as protectors of civilians, the conduct displayed during the incident had deepened public resentment and reinforced the perception that the concerns of indigenous communities were being ignored.
The committee maintained that security forces deployed in Manipur must remain accountable to the people they are tasked to protect.
"Any force that resorts to violence against women protestors inevitably loses public confidence and legitimacy," Kasar said.
NPCM further claimed that a growing section of the indigenous population now views the Assam Rifles as functioning more like an "occupational force" than a security agency serving the interests of the people of Manipur.
The organisation demanded an independent and transparent inquiry into the incident, identification of the personnel allegedly involved and immediate action against those found responsible for excesses against civilian women.
NPCM also expressed concern over what it described as continuing security failures in Manipur, citing the recent killing of Shri Chugjanglung Panmei, 57, a member of the Village Authority of Pongringlong-1 village.
Kasar said repeated attacks on vulnerable villages reflected serious shortcomings in the state's security framework and exposed civilians to continuing threats.
The organisation said Panmei, a husband, father and community leader, was reportedly attacked and later found dead with bullet injuries, causing grief and anxiety among villagers.
NPCM stated that the incident had further eroded public confidence in the ability of authorities to protect civilian populations living in vulnerable areas.
The committee also referred to allegations regarding the involvement of operatives associated with KNF(P), a group covered under the Suspension of Operations arrangement.
According to NPCM, the recurrence of such incidents has generated widespread anger and raised questions about the effectiveness of the SoO framework and the ability of security agencies to ensure civilian safety.
The organisation said the people of Manipur have witnessed repeated attacks on villages, killings of civilians, destruction of property and displacement since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023.
NPCM alleged that those responsible for many of these incidents continue to operate under what local communities perceive as a climate of impunity under the SoO arrangement, which has been in force since 2005.
The committee argued that repeated failures to prevent attacks on indigenous villages have created a deep trust deficit between local communities and Central Security Forces deployed in affected regions.
According to Kasar, villagers increasingly question why civilians continue to suffer while armed groups allegedly move with relative freedom in several areas.
The organisation placed five key demands before the government:
Immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement.
A comprehensive investigation into the killing of Chugjanglung Panmei and prosecution of all those responsible.
Enhanced protection and security guarantees for indigenous villages vulnerable to armed attacks.
Accountability for security lapses that have repeatedly endangered civilian lives.
Withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur and replacement with a security arrangement that commands public confidence.
NPCM warned that failure to address these concerns could further deepen public alienation and mistrust.
The organisation urged the Government of India to take urgent measures to restore confidence among indigenous communities and demonstrate through concrete action that the lives, dignity and security of the people of Manipur remain a priority.
"The indigenous people of Manipur deserve justice, security and peace. Their voices can no longer be ignored," Kasar said.
