Imphal, Oct. 20 -- The United Naga Council (UNC) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas, alleging indiscriminate shelling during a clash at Awontang village in Manipur's Kamjong district on October 17. The council has urged the Central Government to replace the paramilitary force with a "neutral force", such as the Border Security Force (BSF).

In a statement, the UNC alleged that the Assam Rifles resorted to heavy shelling during a clash between Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) militants and local Naga village volunteers. It said the shelling terrorised civilians and accused the force of aiding the militants, questioning its role as the "Friends of the Hill People".

The council ...