Tensions in the Tangkhul region have escalated after two local authorities announced protest-led restrictions on movement in response to allegations of a brutal assault on the President of Katho Katamnao Long and women protesters by personnel of the Assam Rifles.
A day after Katho Katamnao Long (KKL) imposed an indefinite suspension of vehicular movement on roads and highways passing through Katho jurisdiction following the alleged assault on June 7, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) on June 9 followed with a 24-hour total shutdown covering its jurisdiction across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
In a statement issued on Monday, the TNL said the shutdown was declared in accordance with a Joint Co-ordination Meeting resolution dated June 8, 2026. The TNL said the restrictions would take effect at 7 pm on June 8 and continue for 24 hours.
The shutdown, the statement said, is aimed at pressing for the immediate removal of an alleged illegal Assam Rifles outpost at New Haven along NH-202. It also demanded criminal action against the army personnel, alleging excessive force and brutal assault on women protesters at New Haven, Shokvao, and Finch Corner.
According to the TNL, the shutdown will not cover medical services, water supply, electricity, and media, which will remain operational during the 24-hour period.
Rule-of-law concerns
In its statement on June 7, the KKL described the actions as reprehensible, unjustifiable, and unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, adding that no individual should be subjected to physical violence or abuse under any circumstances.
KKL alleged that the assault on its President was not an isolated event. It said Assam Rifles personnel also allegedly used excessive force against civilians during what the group described as a peaceful public protest, including a lathi charge against unarmed demonstrators.
The KKL further alleged that personnel threatened onlookers with knives, and that those involved in the incident were under the influence of alcohol. It also alleged that live rounds were fired at New Heaven, describing it as an attempt to intimidate and disperse women protesters.
The KKL said the alleged violence resulted in injuries to 20 women, along with the President of Katho Katamnao Long.
Demands for action
The TNL called on civil society organizations, particularly the Tangkhul Naga Long and the Tangkhul Shanao Long, to stand in solidarity with the victims and to help identify the personnel accused of assault.
It also urged concrete and appropriate action against those responsible, regardless of rank or position.
Beyond the shutdown, the KKL said it was also calling for non-cooperation with the Assam Rifles and demanded the indefinite suspension of vehicular movement across Katho jurisdiction—an action framed as temporary until certain conditions are met.
Those conditions, as stated by KKL, include that the Assam Rifles must issue an official public apology for the conduct of its personnel; withdraw the illegal temporary outpost established at New Heaven; and initiate strict and exemplary disciplinary action against personnel accused in the incident.
The shutdown measures were described as continuing—and potentially intensifying—until these demands are fully addressed, while essential services and accredited media operations remain exempt.
Appeals for accountability
The KKL said it views the alleged events as violations of fundamental human rights, invoking protections under Article 21 of the Constitution of India—including the right to life and personal liberty. It further argued that no security force has authority to assault civilians or suppress peaceful democratic expression through violence.
Both KKL’s earlier statements and TNL’s latest move indicate that local authorities plan to pursue accountability through lawful and peaceful means, even as restrictions on movement begin to extend across the region.