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08/15/2009: "Press Release from Uhkrul Nagalim"
Press Release
15 August 2009
For residents of Ukhrul District, Manipur, the 63rd Independence Day of India was a grim reminder of the atrocities and rights violations committed by the Assam Rifles against innocent civilians. For them, the day started with the funeral service of two of their brethrens, Mr. Salmon Hungyo and Mr. A. S. Phanitphang, both cadres of NSCN (IM) killed by the Assam Rifles. Their funeral service was attended by public leaders, heads of different organizations, and the public at large.
On 12 August 2009, the Assam Rifles ambushed a group of NSCN (IM) cadres. It is not known how Mr. A. S. Phanitphang was killed, however, Mr. Salmon Hungyo has telltale signs of torture and injuries all over his body.
The situation in Phungyar Block is yet to improve as villagers in the area are still being restricted and subjected to combing operations by the Assam Rifles. The Assam Rifles have also reportedly seized the mobile phones of most villagers in the area, and the only source of information presently is from a few villagers who managed to hide their mobile phones. They have reported that combing operations have again taken place and the Assam Rifles have restricted the movements of villagers.
Reports have come in that there are casualties within the NSCN (IM). However, the Assam Rifles have not allowed anyone to go in and provide treatment to the wounded in total contravention of accepted international convention. This is particularly significant, given that the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India had signed a ceasefire in 1997, and are negotiating politically to bring an end to the protracted Indo-Naga problem.
The sincerity of the Government of India is quite doubtful given the fact that it is giving protection to a number of anti-social elements and gangs in the following places within Ukhrul District—Lamlai & Chadong villages: United National Liberation Front and Kangleipak Communist Party; Litan village: Kuki National Army and Kuki Revolutionary Army (UKPF); Chassad: Kuki National Army; Leinganching Litan Post: Volunteers for Innocent People of Nagalim and United Naga People Council; New Canaan Post: Kangleipak Communist Party; Nongdam: Kuki National Army, People Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak; Lairam Phungka: United National Liberation Front, Kanglei Yawol Kana Lup, People Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak; Molnom (Sinakeithei): Kuki National Army; Kwantabi (Thawai): Kuki National Army.
It is pertinent to mention that civil societies have been repeatedly prevented for the last three days by the Assam Rifles to go to the villages affected by the military operations. This refusal from the Assam Rifles has made it impossible for civil society leaders to verify the condition and situation of civilians in the area. However, reports have come in from villagers that some of them were detained and harassed by the Assam Rifles.
The Tangkhul public submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India on 14 August 2009 through the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul demanding the immediate withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Ukhrul district, and to clarify once and for all whether there is a ceasefire in Naga areas outside Nagaland state.
To protect the rights of civilians in the area and protest against the infringement and violation of the rights, more than 3000 women proceeded towards the affected villages leaving their homes, children, and other responsibilities. At the time of writing this note (4. 40 PM), it is reported that the Assam Rifles at Shangshak Post. However, showing sheer grit and determination, the women forced through the gate and barb-wired barricades and have proceeded towards the villages. Reports are now awaited from these women regarding the condition and situation of affected villages.
Meanwhile in Ukhrul town, more than 2000 people have gathered at the Tangkhul Naga Long compound to await news and also pray for the peaceful resolution of the situation.
The demands and wishes of the people are very clear—to immediately stop the operations being carried out in and around Shakok, Godah, Loushing, and Loushing Khunthak villages; to immediately withdraw the Assam Rifles from Ukhrul District, and to declare whether there is a ceasefire in Naga areas outside Nagaland.
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Stephen Angkang A. S. Dinah Wungnaoshang A. Shimray
President, TNL President, TSL President, TKS
Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-
Zanyo Varam, Kaphungkan K. Shimray Alung Rungsung
President, TMNL President, TNWL Coordinator, NPMHR
