Imphal, June 03 2009: Condoling the death of Khangembam Malesh alias L/Cpl Ritesh (37) s/o Kh Sanajaoba of Kumbi Lai Ishing Chaibi, Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has asserted that the claim of 28 Assam Rifles that he was killed during an encounter at Waithou area at around 12.30 pm of May 31 is nothing but a rote learning of the security forces who have been killing people under a secret agenda.

In a statement, chief of department of publicity, RPF GM Changjou pointed out that Malesh had been picked up by some personnel of 28 Assam Rifles in civvies who are in a DI Tata from a house in Tarungthel of Andro A/C at around 3.30 pm of May 28.The report of his arrest had also been published in the newspapers of the following day.

However, after being subjected him to severe torture for three days, the Assam Rifles falsely claimed that he was killed in an encounter and claimed that one country made pistol and ammunition were seized from his possession.

The security forces should understand that such unbranded arms and ammuntion are not use in PLA, Changjou added.

Changjou said that killing of an arrested person without trial in accordance to the existing law of the land is in violation of the provisions under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Geneva Convention.

He also warned the State Police Commandos who have been allegedly following the same tactics to mend their conduct before the public revolted against them.

Changjou further informed that slain L/Cpl Ritesh, army no.2824 was appointed as assistant organiser of CB Div-3 of the outfit on September 13, 2008 and later he was trasfered as assistant organiser of Div-6 .

He was dutiful with good morale and discipline and continue to fight against the enemy till his last breathe, Changjou said, adding that RPF and its armed wing PLA also shared in the grief of the bereaved family members.