Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02:
Refuting the report that appeared in the November 2 edition of this paper under the caption, "Victim recounts AR's brutality," the office of the IG AR South has issued a statement claiming that Sholet Mate, chief of Nungkon village was shot dead while trying to flee despite repeated warnings to stop.
The statement said that on October 30, troops of AR had instructed the villagers to stay inside their houses after dark to avoid danger to their lives.
However at about 11 pm, Mate was seen moving suspiciously.
When the troops asked him to stop, he took to his heels and despite repeated warnings did not stop.
The troops eventually opened fire and killed him, said the statement.
The AR further claimed that Sholet Mate provided shelter and was actively involved in supplying commodities to militants.
Even the wife of Mate has admitted to this, it claimed.
There is no question of any human rights violation by the security personnel, it claimed further.
In another statement, AR refuted the report that a combined force of UNLF, PREPAK and KCP had driven back security personnel at Nungkam village.
Assam Rifles troops carried out operations at Khoibu, Maringthal, Satang and Saikul on receipt of specific information, said the statement and added that camps were found deserted by the troops.
A large quantity of signal equipment, rations and logistical stores were recovered.