The Katho Long, The Katho Katamnao Long and Katho Women Coordination Committee has condemned the establishment of a temporary outpost by the Assam Rifles at New Heaven, without consulting or informing or obtaining prior permission from the concerned Village Authority. The CSOs from Katho area have directed the Assam Rifles personnel currently stationed at New Heaven to withdraw immediately.
The joint press communique stated that “we strongly condemn the establishment of a temporary outpost by the Assam Rifles at New Heaven, which falls under the jurisdiction of Shokvao Village. We express our strong disapproval of the Assam Rifles’ action in stationing its personnel at the said location without consulting, informing, or obtaining prior permission from the concerned Village Authority. This action constitutes a direct violation of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956.
“Such a distasteful act of undermining the law and encroaching upon the village’s jurisdiction is unacceptable and poses a direct threat to the authority of the local administration. The Village Authority has, on multiple occasions, informed the Assam Rifles and requested the withdrawal of its personnel from the said location. However, despite repeated requests, no heed has been paid to these appeals.
“We hereby direct the Assam Rifles personnel currently stationed at New Heaven to withdraw immediately. Failing this, the Assam Rifles shall bear full responsibility for any untoward incident that may arise as a consequence of its continued presence in the area” added the press statement jointly issued by the Chairman of Katho Long, President of Katho Katamnao Long and Convenor of Katho Women Coordination Committee.
