NWU, TMNL condemn assault on women
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 8 : The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) have strongly condemned "coordinated attacks" upon Naga villages of Litan, Sinakeithei, S Laho Sharkaphung, and Thoyee in Ukhrul district, and Ireng, K Lungwiram, Waphon Inthan, and Thonglang villages in Senapati district.
In a statement, the Naga Women's Union (NWU) said the "attacks were being carried out by the Kukis, including the SoO militants, to serve their wishful interest and wild political claim within the Naga homeland."
All these calculated attacks took place one after another under the watch of the Government and massive presence of security forces, it said, calling out the "indifferent attitude" of the Central and the State Government.
The Naga villagers have also been made to endure alleged excessive use of force and physical assault by security forces, who have been deployed for their security, said the NWU.
Due to the alleged excessive use of force, the presence of Central armed personnel in civilian areas has created fear and raised serious human rights concerns, it said.
"Naga women, as traditional custodians and peacekeepers of their land, are facing intimidation while safeguarding and peacekeeping in their villages.
"We are saddened to witness the use of disproportionate force against women and civilians,' it said.
Several women protesters were hurt in security forces' action at S Laho (Leingangching) on April 7, it added.
It urged security forces to exercise restraint and respect the dignity of women and traditional practices of Naga communities and avoid interference that may deepen mistrust. The significance of the traditional Meira must be honoured, and any form of violence against women must cease immediately, it said.
The Government, both Central and State, must view the present situation through a historical lens and initiate necessary steps to contain the conflict, it added.
Echoing the same concern, the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long also condemned the alleged brutal assault on women at S Laho yesterday.
Such an act is not only unacceptable and it reflects a grave misuse of authority that must be addressed with urgency at the highest level, it said.
At a time when women from the community are selflessly taking the lead in safeguarding the land and promoting peace, the failure of the authorities concerned to protect innocent civilians is both alarming and unacceptable, it said.
"The use of brute force with electric stun batons and chemically infused gas against unarmed individuals, particularly those engaged in peaceful resistance, where expectant mothers were also present, constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights and established norms," said the TMNL.
The "apparent bias and unlawful conduct" exhibited by the armed forces in this incident has eroded public trust and such actions risk further destabilizing an already sensitive situation, it said.
It demanded an immediate, independent, and time-bound investigation, along with strict disciplinary measures, including the suspension of all personnel directly involved in the incident.
Accountability must not be delayed or diluted. Justice must prevail swiftly, transparently, and without compromise. This incident must be treated as a critical warning.
The armed forces are expected to act with restraint, professionalism, and impartiality. Any deviation from these principles will only deepen tensions and invite serious consequences, said the TMNL.
IMPHAL, Apr 8 : The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) have strongly condemned "coordinated attacks" upon Naga villages of Litan, Sinakeithei, S Laho Sharkaphung, and Thoyee in Ukhrul district, and Ireng, K Lungwiram, Waphon Inthan, and Thonglang villages in Senapati district.
In a statement, the Naga Women's Union (NWU) said the "attacks were being carried out by the Kukis, including the SoO militants, to serve their wishful interest and wild political claim within the Naga homeland."
All these calculated attacks took place one after another under the watch of the Government and massive presence of security forces, it said, calling out the "indifferent attitude" of the Central and the State Government.
The Naga villagers have also been made to endure alleged excessive use of force and physical assault by security forces, who have been deployed for their security, said the NWU.
Due to the alleged excessive use of force, the presence of Central armed personnel in civilian areas has created fear and raised serious human rights concerns, it said.
"Naga women, as traditional custodians and peacekeepers of their land, are facing intimidation while safeguarding and peacekeeping in their villages.
"We are saddened to witness the use of disproportionate force against women and civilians,' it said.
Several women protesters were hurt in security forces' action at S Laho (Leingangching) on April 7, it added.
It urged security forces to exercise restraint and respect the dignity of women and traditional practices of Naga communities and avoid interference that may deepen mistrust. The significance of the traditional Meira must be honoured, and any form of violence against women must cease immediately, it said.
The Government, both Central and State, must view the present situation through a historical lens and initiate necessary steps to contain the conflict, it added.
Echoing the same concern, the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long also condemned the alleged brutal assault on women at S Laho yesterday.
Such an act is not only unacceptable and it reflects a grave misuse of authority that must be addressed with urgency at the highest level, it said.
At a time when women from the community are selflessly taking the lead in safeguarding the land and promoting peace, the failure of the authorities concerned to protect innocent civilians is both alarming and unacceptable, it said.
"The use of brute force with electric stun batons and chemically infused gas against unarmed individuals, particularly those engaged in peaceful resistance, where expectant mothers were also present, constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights and established norms," said the TMNL.
The "apparent bias and unlawful conduct" exhibited by the armed forces in this incident has eroded public trust and such actions risk further destabilizing an already sensitive situation, it said.
It demanded an immediate, independent, and time-bound investigation, along with strict disciplinary measures, including the suspension of all personnel directly involved in the incident.
Accountability must not be delayed or diluted. Justice must prevail swiftly, transparently, and without compromise. This incident must be treated as a critical warning.
The armed forces are expected to act with restraint, professionalism, and impartiality. Any deviation from these principles will only deepen tensions and invite serious consequences, said the TMNL.