Ukhrul, Manipur | EKHON: Anger erupted in Sinakeithei village on Thursday after another civilian was injured in firing from Lungter hills. Local women confront the 4 Mahar Regiment camp, demanding accountability and stronger protection.
According to local residents, the Thursday’s incident intensified long-standing concerns over security arrangements in the area despite the continued deployment of central forces. Women protesters questioned how the attack could happen less than 50 meters from a security base, where an armored Casspir vehicle is stationed.
Community representatives stated that the 4th Mahar Regiment has been stationed in the village for over two months as part of efforts to prevent violence linked to armed groups operating along the Lungter Range. A second battalion was later deployed at nearby Tingpibung to reinforce security operations. However, villagers alleged that the overall situation has shown little improvement and claimed that attacks and threats from “Kuki armed elements” continue unabated.
The protesters further alleged that local village defenders had earlier been advised by central security forces not to engage in retaliatory firing, with assurances that the forces themselves would assume full responsibility for protecting the village. Residents claimed that, in compliance with these directions, local volunteers refrained from returning fire during recent incidents.
Another major letdown raised by the villagers concerned the scope of protection being provided by security personnel. Protesters claimed that security officials had emphasized safeguarding residential areas against arson attacks but questioned whether this commitment extended to the broader protection of the village and surrounding vulnerable zones.
Villagers also expressed dissatisfaction over ongoing operations targeting defensive bunkers and shelters within the valley settlements. According to women protesters, while joint operations by central and state forces have dismantled some local defensive structures, alleged fortified positions of Kuki narco terrorists in the surrounding hills remain largely untouched.
Civil society groups and local residents have repeatedly called for impartial enforcement actions, stronger civilian protection, and renewed efforts toward de-escalation and dialogue.
