Liangmai bodies accuse Assam Rifles of arresting innocent farmers
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, February 05 2022:
Liangmai organisations have accused the Assam Rifles of arresting three innocent villagers and implicated them as NSCN-IM cadres.
Liangmai Naga Council, Eastern Zone (LNC-EZ), Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief/Chairman Association, Manipur and Langka (Taniulong) Village Authority, in a joint press release issued on Friday said that they strongly condemned the act of 22 Assam Rifles, Jwalamukhi, IGAR(East) for arresting three innocent villagers of Lanka village, under Sapermeina police station in Kangpokpi district.
According to the organisations, the three innocent villagers are Mairikinang Abonmai (50 years), s/o late Khiuchamdinang Abonmai; Maithon Malangmai (50 years), s/o late Chahotjinang Malangmai and Siraibou Malangmai (28 years), s/o Khangchiusanang Malangmai.
The Liangmai bodies continued that the three villagers were reportedly arrested while working in their farms.
"The Assam Rifles personnel planted country-made arms to implicate the three farmers as NSCN-IM cadres on February 3, 2022," it alleged.
The Liangmai organisations also alleged that it was not an isolated incident and that there have been innumerable incidents where many innocent lives have been taken by Assam Rifles with full of impunity.
"The Assam Rifles is known for its notoriety and expertise in killing innocent civilians in Northeast India.
The recent cold blooded murder of 14 innocent civilians at Oting village under Mon district, Nagaland is one such incident.
Such criminal acts committed by Assam Rifles over innocent civilians should be condemned in the strongest terms by all peace loving people in the state," the Liangmai organisations alleged.
While appealing to the Government of India to repeal the "infamous" Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, from Manipur, the Liangmai bodies urged the concerned authorities in the state to immediately release the three innocent villagers who have been taken away by the 22 Assam Rifles on February 3, 2022 and hand them over to their families safely.
The Liangmai bodies further warned of strong forms of agitation if the concerned authority failed to fulfil their demands.