Tension grips the Makoi-Chingkao area in Manipur's Tamenglong district following the tense commotion between the security force and Rongmei Naga women erupted after the 6th Assam Rifles allegedly entered the area where village volunteers are reportedly undergoing physical training at Chingkao village.
The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, the apex body of the Rongmei tribe, strongly condemned the incident terming it "disheartening" and demanded the authorities concerned to check the alleged indecent attitude of the security personnel to avoid further escalation of the situation.
According to the Rongmei tribe's apex body, the 6th Assam Rifles personnel posted at the Barak area entered the restricted area at Chingkao village where village volunteers are undergoing physical training at around 9 am on Thursday despite repeated appeals from the village folk at Makoi village, which is to the proximity of Chingkao village to withdraw the patrol group as it might pose a threat to the security of the volunteers.
However, the armed security personnel attempted to force their way toward the training area, which is highly condemnable, stated the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur.
It also stated that the volunteer training has been done purely for defensive purposes as the situation in Manipur became extremely unpredictable and considering the circumstances faced by other communities in the state, it is pertinent that each member of the tribe has the combatant capability to defend their land if the need arises which we earnestly believe is nothing unconstitutional.
"There is no ulterior motive, and no agendas otherwise as wrongly perceived by the security agencies, which has made the issues all the more complicated", it stated.
The Rongmei tribe's apex body further stated that the incident demonstrated the provocative act of the security personnel against the sentiments of the incident public.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128