Amid rising tensions over timber smuggling, the Assam Rifles faced destruction of their camp in Hongbei village. The force was forced to retreat following a clash with Tangkhul Naga villagers, highlighting the difficulty security forces face in curbing illegal activities while dealing with the region’s ongoing ethnic strife.
BY PC Bureau
They were attacked, their camps destroyed, and their authority undermined. Yet, instead of holding the culprits accountable, it was the Assam Rifles that were forced to bear the consequences. The paramilitary force had to vacate an outpost in a Naga-dominated village in Kamjong district, Manipur, after local resistance to their attempts to curb the illegal timber trade.
While locals claimed that the Assam Rifles hindered the movement of timber intended for domestic use, the security force alleged that they stopped an entire vehicle loaded with timber that lacked valid documentation.
Assam Rifles has regularly been involved in tackling illegal timber smuggling in the northeastern states, including Manipur, where timber smuggling is a significant issue. The Assam Rifles have conducted multiple operations, particularly in regions with dense forests like the forests in Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Tamenglong districts, where timber smuggling is rampant.
Incidentally, a day after the Assam Rifles vacated its post, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM DG AR met with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in Imphal and discussed the present security situation in the state.
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM DG AR interacted with Shri N. Biren Singh, Honble Chief Minister of Manipur at Chief Minister’s Secerteriat in Imphal, discussed the present security situation in the state. pic.twitter.com/Z3HW96w0mP
— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) January 13, 2025
A day after the NSCN(IM) accused the state government of funding and arming Kuki militants, the Assam Rifles were instructed to vacate their camp, which had been destroyed by Tangkhul Nagas in Hongbei village, under the Kasom Khullen Block, Kamjong District.
Central forces, such as the Assam Rifles and CRPF, operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and their deployment is generally sanctioned by the central government. While the state’s requirements influence where these forces are stationed, the final decision typically comes from the central authorities. Therefore, the order to vacate the post was not a local decision but likely came from higher levels.
This development coincided with COCOMI, the apex Meitei body, reiterating NSCN(IM)’s allegations of collusion between central agencies and Kuki-Zo militants. Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking at the 42nd Maralui Karalimei Swijoikang (MKS) General Conference in Naga-dominated Senapati district on Saturday, called on Naga community leaders to take a more active role in resolving the ethnic crisis.
“I appeal to the Naga communities that a neutral third party is required to address and settle the current issues and restore peace. Church and community leaders must take responsibility and initiative. Whatever grievances exist can be resolved within the framework of the Constitution and the rules of the Manipur government,” Singh said.
The government’s desperation to placate Naga groups was evident, particularly when compared with a similar clash in Saibol, where the security forces refused to vacate bunkers despite bloody clashes with Kuki-Zo women .
In the case of the Assam Rifles, a mob of Tangkhul Nagas stormed the camp in Hongbei on Saturday, destroying it over alleged harassment and restrictions on timber transportation. The region is notorious for timber smuggling, with security forces frequently intercepting timber smugglers in surrounding forests.
On April 9, 2024: Assam Rifles successfully intercepted seven Indian trucks involved in the illegal transportation of timber without proper documentation in Kamjong District. During a detailed search operation in the Z Choro region, Assam Rifles uncovered the illicit activity and seized approximately 1,701 cubic feet of timber, valued at Rs 14.45 lakh. The confiscated timber, along with the truck drivers, was immediately handed over to the Forest Beat Officer of Kamjong District.
On March 31, 2024, Assam Rifles personnel intercepted twelve Indian trucks in the Z Choro region of Kamjong District, carrying approximately 3,324 CFT of timber valued at Rs 28.25 lakh, all of which lacked the necessary documentation.
On March 19, 2024:, Assam Rifles conducted multiple searches in Kangpat Centre and Kangpat Khunou, Kamjong District, intercepting a total of 139 Indian trucks engaged in the illegal transportation of arecanuts and timber. The operation resulted in the seizure of 15,230 bags of arecanuts (weighing 1,321.62 tons, valued at approximately Rs 159 crore) and 50,603 CFT of timber worth Rs 4.88 crore. These goods were suspected to be intended for unauthorized distribution in the black market and were handed over to the Forest Beat Officer of Kamjong District.
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These successful operations underscored the Assam Rifles’ commitment to curbing illegal activities and maintaining legal standards in the region. But instead of being hailed for their commitments, the security forces was made to pay a heavy price. First its outpost was burnt , and they were made to vacate it.
Reports indicated that the Assam Rifles was forced to vacate the area after a meeting between Tangkhul Naga civil society representatives, Assam Rifles officials, and Kamjong district authorities, including the superintendent of police and deputy commissioner, on Sunday. “The situation remained calm, and no untoward incidents were reported on Sunday,” an official said.
The Assam Rifles had set up a checkpoint and temporary camp in Hongbei to combat illegal activities, but local villagers accused the force of harassment and obstruction of their movement. Villagers from Kasom Khullen block dismantled the camp on Saturday.
The Assam Rifles denied these charges, explaining that on January 11, their personnel had inspected a vehicle carrying timber without the required documentation. After following procedure and stopping the vehicle, tensions escalated, allegedly stirred by “nefarious elements.”
The statement added that the mob became violent, prompting the Assam Rifles to respond with a “calibrated approach,” using tear gas shells and firing into the air to disperse the crowd. No casualties were reported.
The Assam Rifles is one of the central forces deployed in Manipur, a state grappling with ethnic violence between Kukis and Meiteis since May 2023. The violence has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless. While the Kuki-Zo community generally favors Assam Rifles, Meiteis and Nagas harbor deep resentment toward their presence.
