AR refutes news report
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 11 2012:
Reacting to the news report in this daily with regard to killing of three persons at Chadong area and subsequent accusation by one of the victim's father that the encounter was stage-managed, the Assam Rifles has dismissed the assertion as false propaganda.
In a statement issued today, PRO IGAR (S) reiterated that the three deceased persons belonged to a UG group which has been active in the area of Maphou Dam and is involved in extortion with an intent of derailing the development process.
The three killed were heavily armed and in uniform, stated the PRO release while conveying that Assam Rifles had always believed in homecoming of UG cadres and it has been an earnest endeavour to encourage fellow countrymen to shun path of violence and join the mainstream.
It is due to vested interests of few individuals with narrow political agenda, hampering peace and development process in the State, who propagate violence and are making all endeavours to discourage growing defections amongst their rank and file, maintained the release while adding 'it shows the frustration among different UG groups whose cadres are joining the main stream through homecoming ceremony' .
The initiative by Assam Rifles with excellent incentives from the State Government has led to 190 surrenders to Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) since September 2011, which aptly displays the humane and people friendly attitude of Assam Rifles, the PRO release highlighted and affirmed that the entire fraternity of Assam Rifles always encouraged surrenders and have been regularly approaching village elders and parents of misguided youth to persuade them to stop gun culture.
While a number of well wishers have been able to come forward and facilitate home coming of misguided youth some have been evading the issue, it maintained.
Further contending that the three persons (victims), rather than joining the mainstream created their own breakaway faction to disrupt peace and tranquillity in the region, the PRO release said 'all misguided youth who want to give up arms should not be discouraged by false propaganda' .