Katho Bodies Oppose Assam Rifles Outpost at New Heaven, Demand Immediate Withdrawal
Ukhrul, Manipur: Several Katho community organisations have strongly opposed the establishment of a temporary Assam Rifles outpost at New Heaven in Ukhrul district, alleging that the deployment was carried out without the knowledge or consent of the concerned village authority.
The opposition was jointly expressed by the Katho Katamnao Long (Katho Students’ Union), Katho Long, and the Katho Women Coordination Committee (KWCC), which issued a press statement condemning the presence of Assam Rifles personnel in the area.
According to the organisations, approximately 40 personnel of the Assam Rifles have been stationed at New Heaven, an area they claim falls under the jurisdiction of Shokvao Village. They alleged that the outpost was established without prior consultation, notification, or approval from the village authority.
In their joint communiqué issued on June 4, the organisations argued that the move violates the provisions of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956, and undermines the authority of the local village administration.
The groups described the deployment as an encroachment on village jurisdiction and maintained that such actions challenge the established authority of local governance institutions. They further stated that the village authority had repeatedly communicated its objections to the Assam Rifles and requested the withdrawal of personnel from the location.
Community representatives claimed that despite multiple appeals from village leaders and local organisations, the security force has continued to maintain its presence at the site.
Local sources said village women have been actively engaging with personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles Battalion, urging them to cease activities within the area. Community members stressed that their opposition is not against security measures but against what they perceive as the lack of consultation and disregard for local administrative procedures.
The organisations reiterated that any security-related deployment within village jurisdiction should involve proper communication and consent from the recognised village authority.
As of June 6, the Katho Katamnao Long, Katho Long, and KWCC have formally demanded the immediate withdrawal of Assam Rifles personnel from New Heaven. They also cautioned that any untoward incident arising from the continued presence of the outpost would be the responsibility of the concerned authorities.
No official response from the Assam Rifles regarding the allegations had been reported at the time of filing this report.
