Imphal: Two civil society organisations have placed fresh demands before the Centre and the state government in Manipur, in the wake of continuing violence.
The United Naga Council has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas, alleging indiscriminate shelling during a clash at Awontang village in Kamjong district on October 17. It has asked the Centre to replace the force with what it called a neutral force, such as the Border Security Force.
In a statement, the UNC alleged that the Assam Rifles resorted to heavy shelling during a clash between Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma militants and local Naga village volunteers, and accused the force of aiding the militants. It said the situation escalated on October 18 when the militants allegedly crossed the border and set fire to the Naga villages of Pilong and Skipe, leaving hundreds homeless.
The council also demanded the reversal of the transfer order of the Kamjong Superintendent of Police, and alleged that personnel of the 11 Assam Rifles abducted and tortured a Naga village guard, N Chithung, who it said was defending his village.
Separately, the Joint Tribes Council, representing the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, condemned the killing of three Meitei civilians at Sunurok Uyok, Khongbal Tangkhul, on October 19. It identified the dead as Arubam Ronil, 30, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 50, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 25.
The council alleged that Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations carried out the attack, and demanded a prompt, independent and impartial investigation, inspections of designated camps and a review of the arrangement. It said the SoO must not become a shield against accountability.