Imphal, June 7: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) on Tuesday condemned the firing incident on village defence party (VDP) in Manipur’s Chandel district.

On Tuesday, Assam Rifles conducted an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) in Thingkangphai village in Chandel district and allegedly fired on village defence volunteers killing one and injuring many.

The volunteers retreated, but their houses were later burned down allegedly by the combined forces of the Police Commando and a Meitei terrorist organization accompanying the Assam Rifles.

“What adds to the distressing nature of this incident is the inaction of the same Assam Rifles unit who remain mute spectators when Kuki houses were set on fire a few days ago, but participated in the burning of remaining villages in the Sugnu-Serou region today. Although photographic and video evidence exists of their involvement, the internet ban prevents it from being shared with the media,” alleged a ITLF press release.

It further added, “On Tuesday Thingkangphai Village suffered a relentless assault since 7 a.m. by the combined forces of Assam Rifles, Police Commando, and Arambai Tenggol. It is also important to highlight that the state forces, particularly the Police Commandos and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), have displayed a clear bias, transforming themselves from state forces into communal forces. They have forcibly placed all tribal personnel on compulsory leave and allowed Meitei terrorist organizations like Arambai Tenggol & Meetei Leepun to freely seize arms and ammunition from their armories.”

The ITLF vehemently condemned the involvement of 37 Assam Rifles and other CAPFs in the burning of Thingkangphai village.

“The Army, Assam Rifles and other CAPF units, who are assumed as neutral forces, should refrain from patrolling together with the communal Police Commandos and IRB. Otherwise, the hill people will lose the respect they have for the Army. The tribals will go to any extent and sacrifice anything required to defend and protect their ancestral land,” they said.

It further added, “The crisis can only be resolved through a political settlement by the Indian government, not through military operations or suppressive policies. State government lies and propaganda is not helpful. Authorities are urged to intervene before the situation worsens.”