Manipur: Dispute breaks out between Assam Rifles troops and women’s groups at Namrei village

IMPHAL | SEPT 11, 2020:

A heated argument erupted between troops of the 27th Assam Rifles (AR) and women unions at Namrei Tangkhul village under Chingai Block in Ukhrul district of Manipur in the wee hours of September 11.

The dispute broke out after AR troops allegedly entered the village on receiving information about the presence of NSCN (IM) cadres. It may be mentioned that majority of the inhabitants of Ukhrul is the Tangkhul Naga.

Sources informed that villagers and women folks, with sticks in their hands, started pelting stones at the AR personnel when they allegedly attempted to force their entry into one of the houses at around 5 am.

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The matter went out of control when an Assam Rifles' Major allegedly slapped one of the women, who tried to stop the troops from raiding.

It was informed that the woman who was slapped is the general secretary of the Namrei Shanao Long (women's union).

"She slapped him back and the women folk forced him to wear the women wrapper," sources said.

When contacted, a Defence source told TNT-The Northeast Today that the security forces went to Namrei Tangkhul village at 5 am on Friday for raiding and arresting a suspected NSCN-IM cadre.

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Media reports had earlier stated that six NSCN-IM cadres were arrested in the incident but were later released on intervention by the women's groups.

However, the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Joseph Pauline denied any arrest being made.

Speaking to TNT-The Northeast Today, Ukhrul DC said, "Everything is under control. No NSCN-IM cadre was arrested. The colonel (major) acted in defence, it seems women with sticks (were) charging (at) them."

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