Assam Rifles Disputes Allegations of Torture in Manipur, Discovers Weapons
The Assam Rifles has refuted allegations of torture reported by E Pao, a local daily in Manipur, on July 25. The news article claimed that two individuals from Awang Wabagai were subjected to torture by 22 Assam Rifles in Leikinthabi Nongpok Ningtho Hill on July 23.
According to the Assam Rifles, the incident originated on July 19 when armed miscreants continuously fired towards the Phaileng Ridge. In response, a joint team of Assam Rifles columns, along with CRPF and KPI Police, was deployed to the North of Ningthou Hill.
Upon encountering the security forces, the armed miscreants engaged in effective gunfire using automatic weapons, prompting the security forces to respond in self-defense and to protect the civilians in the area. This exchange of fire occurred for two consecutive days, July 20 and 21, after which the armed miscreants fled the scene. During a subsequent search operation on July 21, the joint team uncovered 15 bunkers and seized lathode-fired cases, two-inch mortars, and AK-47s.
On July 22, while conducting aerial surveillance of the Ningthou Hill area, Assam Rifles personnel identified a truck and a four-wheeler parked on the track leading to Awang Leikinthabi. As they approached the vehicles, they came across two individuals on a motorbike nearby. Upon questioning, it was revealed that the two individuals had come to retrieve the vehicles, which were suspected to have been used by the armed miscreants.
The two individuals were asked to provide identification, and the Imphal West police were subsequently informed. Upon confirmation by the Imphal West SP, a police party, accompanied by the CRPF team, arrived to take custody of the individuals. Both individuals were handed over to the police party, and one of them rode the motorbike back to the village, while the other, who allegedly suffered brain injuries, drove the four-wheeler.
The Assam Rifles clarified that no harm was inflicted upon the two individuals, contrary to the claims made in the news article. Furthermore, the article’s allegations that Ningthoujan Romeson and Pukhrambam were admitted to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal were found to be false. Additionally, the claim regarding the Salai Teret flag was deemed baseless by the Assam Rifles. They explained that the flag was obtained from local Meira Paibis (women social activists) after the July 21 firing incident and was respectfully displayed on Ningthou Hill.
The Assam Rifles expressed deep concern over the unverified and unfounded reports by E Pao, which alleged the assault of two locals from Awang Wabagai and the disrespecting of the Salai Teret Flag.
