Kwatha denounces AR's diktat
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 21 2013: Villagers of Kwatha village under Chandel district felt that they are under the bondage of Assam Rifles who allegedly imposes 'inhuman rules and regulations' to make their lives miserable.

During a recent media tour to Kwatha, villagers pointed out that the existence of an AR camp has made them virtually captives of armed personnel and they are unable to go outside for work.

The situation has become more grievous after the earlier 24 AR was replaced by 37 AR.

Now the villagers can't even do agricultural work in their own field.

Furthermore, the villagers pointed out that 24 AR has set up their camp within the complex of Kwatha temple and installed the idol Lord Vishnu.

If the villagers want to enter the temple or go outside they have to seek prior permission.

In addition to this, AR has also imposed various stringent rules and regulations including compulsory identity card for visitors in the village; reporting to the AR camp if anyone is to stay out of the village even for one night, villagers told the media team.

They also informed that village chief and AR personnel have signed an agreement on some points including not to interfere on villagers' movement, personal life and work.

On its part, AR had agreed not to set up their camp within the temple complex.

But the said agreement has not been complied.

Pointing out that the entire Kwatha populace lived on Jhuming cultivation, the villagers wondered how they would survive now that they have been given strict instruction for returning home from far off Jhum fields before sunset and restrictions have been imposed on import of jungle products.

Adding woes, AR personnel have taken over three Guest houses as well as the water reservoir of the village, the villagers rued.

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