Imphal, December 06 2009: Two villagers of Khoripok under Kasom Khullen sub-division have been injured while many houses have been damaged due to allegedly reckless and unrestrained firing by Assam Rifles troops.

The news report about the gun-fight between troops of 34 AR and militants at the former's post in the evening of December 4 and the associated report that no one was hurt as reported in local media today has also been rebuffed by the Khoripok Village Authority.

Addressing a press meet here today, Khoripok Village Authority member Kesochithung alleged that there was no incident of gun fight.

It was only the AR troops who were firing grenades and mortar shells indiscriminately towards the village, he alleged.

Two villagers, S Huimi (53) and E Matuichin (52) sustained severe injuries in the firing.

They are undergoing treatment at RIMS.

Moreover, 25 houses, primary school, community hall and weaving centre have been damaged due to mortar and bullet strikes, Kesochithung said.

Saying that this unprovoked firing was a manifestation of Assam Rifles' haughtiness, the VA strongly condemned the firing.

The VA demanded that the AR post should be removed from the village and its commander Captain Roshan Chetry suspended.

The Khoripok Village Authority also demanded that either the Government or the Assam Rifles should compensate the injured villagers.

Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development Association Chairman Jajo Robertson also rubbished the report of gun-fight as baseless.

It is reported that the Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Sinnao Long, Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang and the Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development would take up the matter jointly with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi in addition to filing a complaint to the Manipur State Human Rights Commission.