The people are deeply alarmed and outraged by the conduct of Assam Rifles personnel stationed at Shangshak, Ukhrul, who reportedly obstructed civilian vehicles plying through the Shangshak route at a time when NH-202 remains blocked due to the ongoing Kuki blockade and hostilities.
The statement issued by Khanuithot-Khon stated that “at a time when civilians are already facing insecurity, fear, shortages, and restricted movement, the actions of the Assam Rifles have only intensified the suffering of innocent people. Disturbingly, no clear reason, lawful order, or official public notification was provided to explain why civilian movement was being restricted. Instead of ensuring safe passage and public security, personnel allegedly resorted to intimidation and threats against civilians attempting to document the incident through video recordings.”
Such conduct raises serious constitutional, legal, and humanitarian concerns.
Under Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution of India, every citizen has the fundamental right to move freely throughout the territory of India, subject only to reasonable restrictions imposed by law. Any arbitrary obstruction of civilian movement without a declared curfew, prohibitory order, or lawful notification constitutes a misuse of authority and a direct violation of . democratic principles and civil liberties.
The statement added “aecurity forces deployed in conflict-affected areas are duty-bound to protect civilian lives, maintain access to essential routes, and ensure humanitarian movement. Their role is not to further isolate vulnerable populations already trapped amid ethnic violence and instability.
“The expected responsibilities of the Assam Rifles and all security agencies in such circumstances are:
โข To ensure safe passage for civilians,
โข To prevent unlawful blockades by armed groups,
โข To maintain uninterrupted movement of essential supplies and emergency services,
โข And to uphold neutrality, accountability, and public confidence.
“Instead, what transpired at Shangshak reflects a deeply troubling pattern of selective enforcement, suppression of civilian movement, and intimidation of the very people whom the forces are constitutionally mandated to protect.
“Equally unacceptable are reports that civilians were threatened for recording the public conduct of armed personnel in a public space. In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, citizens cannot be arbitrarily harassed or intimidated for documenting public actions unless prohibited under a clearly notified and legally valid security restriction. Such behaviour only deepens public mistrust and raises serious questions regarding transparency and accountability.
“If there existed any genuine security threat, operational necessity, or intelligence-based concern warranting temporary restriction, the Assam Rifles owed the public a lawful explanation and proper coordination with civil authorities. Silence, intimidation, and arbitrary restrictions cannot substitute due process and lawful procedure.”
We therefore strongly demand:
1. Immediate clarification from the Assam Rifles regarding the legal basis for obstructing civilian movement at Shangshak.
2. Public disclosure of any written order, operational directive, or security notification authorizing such restriction.
3. Immediate assurance that civilians affected by the ongoing crisis and blockade on NH-202 will be granted safe and unhindered passage.
4. An impartial inquiry into the reported intimidation and threatening of civilians attempting to record the incident.
5. Immediate intervention by the State Government and competent civil authorities to ensure that security forces operate strictly within the framework of the Constitution, rule of law, and humanitarian responsibility.
“The people cannot and must not be treated as enemies within their own land. In times of crisis, security forces are expected to stand between civilians and danger not between civilians and their fundamental rights to movement, safety, and dignity.
“Any force that obstructs peaceful civilian movement without transparency, accountability, or legal justification must be held answerable before both the law and the people” stated the statement issued in the interest of justice, civilian rights, and public accountability by Khanuithot-Khon -Voice of the Naga.
