Sadar Hills women decry
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 07 2011:
Taking strong exception against the conduct of the Assam Rifles troops at Kangpokpi yesterday evening, the Sadar Hills Women Union has today termed their act as unleashing terror.
Recounting the events that led to the crackdown, the women's body in a statement issued to the press today said that Assam Rifles troops tried to force the way through for 30 civilian trucks, which was in violation with the agreement reached earlier.
When the women folk wanted to verify the trucks that were being sought to be passed, the CO of 43 AR sternly told them that it would not be needed at all.
The Gamgiphai incident of August 31, was more than enough for the womenfolk not to believe the AR men, said the statement.
After more than two hours of negotiation, the womenfolk agreed to give free passage to five trucks but the CO was adamant that all the trucks should be allowed to go through.
The number of trucks was then increased to 10 but still then, the AR did not listen, charged the women's body.
Following this, the womenfolk approached the trucks and found out that many of the trucks were not transporting Army supplies as earlier claimed.
This angered the womenfolk and they started setting one vehicle on fire.
The AR personnel then went berserk and unleashed their brute force on the womenfolk, raining blows and kicks and gun butting them as well.
At Changoubung the AR personnel molested young girls who were enforcing the blockade, claimed the statement.
The womenfolk also appealed to the Army authorities to rein in the Assam Rifles personnel and ascertain whether the trucks were transporting Army supplies or not.