Naga Apprehension against Assam Rifles on the Rise

Kamjong, April 24, 2020:

Last week, tensions were triggered in the remote Bungdung Kashung village that falls under the Kamjong district of Manipur when Assam Rifles personnel were confronted with an all-women protest in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated area.

According to our sources, the women of the Kamjong village confronted the Assam Rifles jawans by carrying signboards by decrying for allegedly "disturbing" and creating a "warlike situation" in the village. The protesters also accused the Assam Rifles, Assam Rifles which looks after the ceasefire ground rules (CFGR), of challenging the 'Naga Army' and waging "psychological warfare" in the area.

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The women, some of whom were wearing masks as protection against the COVID, were seen carrying signs such as "lets honour the ceasefire agreement".

The women in Bungdong village briefly protested the entering of a patrol team of the 24th AR from entering the village. Although the situation was amicably settled after the Assam Rifles officials talked with the village representatives, the protest is symbolic of the simmering unease and discontent of the local Nagas, with the inking of a "final solution" being delayed. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic is also said to have contributed to an atmosphere in the remoter areas.

An Inside Northeast source told us that the protest was a result of the "Covid suspicion coupled with the recent distrust following the recent arrest of NSCN (IM) members in Senapati." It is alleged that the villagers had apprehensions against the continued vigilance of the Assam Rifles towards the Naga insurgent group even after the signing of the ceasefire agreement.

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