Kangpokpi, April 21: The Hengbung Village Authority in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has strongly condemned the alleged misconduct of volunteers from the United Naga Council (UNC) during the ongoing shutdown in Naga-inhabited areas.
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| The alleged assault on a woman vendor during the shutdown in Hengbung village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur. (Screenshot from a viral video) |
In a statement issued on Monday, the village authority accused UNC volunteers of forcibly dragging a woman vendor out of her shop at Hengbung village on April 21. The authority described the incident as “abhorrent” and a direct violation of Kuki customs and traditions, calling the act violent and unjustified.
The shutdown was reportedly called by UNC leadership on April 19 from Tahamzam in Senapati district, urging a total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas and suspending social and economic ties with the Kuki community.
According to the village authority, UNC volunteers entered the village during the bandh and allegedly forced shops to close. During the confrontation, a woman shopkeeper was reportedly manhandled and dragged out of her shop, triggering outrage among local residents.
Eyewitnesses and village leaders also claimed that tensions escalated after an intoxicated individual accompanying a police team allegedly confronted villagers earlier in the day, demanding to know why shops remained open despite the shutdown call. His aggressive remarks reportedly provoked local youth, contributing to rising tensions in the area.
Later in the evening, the situation reportedly worsened when UNC volunteers allegedly attacked Hengbung village around 9:00 PM. Villagers claimed that volunteers opened fire with automatic weapons following an earlier dispute involving security forces who attempted to intervene.
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The Hengbung Village Authority has demanded that UNC leadership take immediate and strict action against those involved and punish them according to Kuki customary law. The authority stressed that swift accountability is necessary to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
“As a lasting peaceful co-existence between communities, the leadership must act without delay to address this grave issue and ensure such incidents do not recur,” the statement added.
Authorities are yet to release official details regarding casualties or damage following the reported attack.
