AR troops 'besiege' Kamjong villages

Mungchan Zimik
UKHRUL, Mar 7: A tense and  panicky situation has gripped Kasom block as Assam Rifles personnel have besieged several villages since March 4.
According to sources, a column of Assam Rifles personnel from different battalions is stationed at Hongbei, Khamlang, Ka-som Khullen, Shingkap, Manthaoram village etc, creating panic and fear psychosis among the locals.
The AR personnel are deploying drones in the area causing confusion and apprehension among the people. Womenfolk from different villages are gathering at Hongbei and Shakok to avoid any possible armed confrontation in the area, said the sources.
Concerned with the tense situation in the region, several representatives of Tangkhul frontal organizations rushed to the villages and they have approached the security forces stationed there to defuse the situation.
Amidst the alarming situation, the villagers are not able to carry out their day-to-day activities freely, added the sources.
Reportedly, womenfolk stationed at Hongbei village took out a rally yesterday demanding withdrawal of Assam Rifles troops from the area.
The extreme southern villages sharing border with Myanmar have a record of frequent armed confrontations between militants and security forces.
Even as the villagers are gripped in a tense and panicky situation, the exact reason for deployment of additional security forces in the area is not known yet.