Imphal, August 16 2009: The Assam Rifles authority today said the local public must act intelligently and fix responsibility for disturbing the peace and tranquility in Ukhrul in the wake of the reported encounter between the AR troops and NSCN (IM) cadres few days back.

A press statement issued by the PRO of IGAR (S) wondered why otherwise matured populace is falling in the obvious trap of NSCN (IM) regarding the reported encounter at Sakok in Ukhrul.

The AR statement pointed out that locals of Sakok are fully aware that the IM armed cadres fired at the AR troops in a planned manner.

Stating that the militants had stayed at night near Hundung Goda village and tried to engage the AR troops on August 12 morning, the AR statement stated that the casualties were sustained by the IM men as a result of the encounter which was started by the militants.

The statement stated that the NSCN (IM)'s malicious and crafty propaganda to mislead the local populace of Ukhrul and adjoining areas in trying to apportion the blame for disturbing the peace and tranquility to AR troops in ridiculous.

The AR statement also stated that the AR troops began pulling back from the area of operations on August 15 after operations were called off.

The AR statement observed that some 'militant group sponsored media reports' have tried to malign the Security Forces without considering the facts on ground.

'Some villagersalso informed AR troops deployed around Sakok village that NSCN (IM) cadres had forced them to participate in protest rallies threatening of dire consequences and imposition of fine upto Rs 500 per family,' it stated.

Accusing the IM cadres of keen to disturb the peace and tranquility prevailing in the areas and exploit the local populace to meet their malicious agenda, the AR statement also pointed out that the it is the prime duty of social organisations and locals to ensure peace is not disturbed and IM cadres are not permitted to extort, harass and break laws of the land.

Pledging to carry out operations against militant organisations to ensure peace and tranquility, it urged the local populace to see through sinister design of the militant organizations and act decisively against militancy.