Sehlon incident: AR comes out with their side of the story
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 19, 2012:
Assam Rifles today came out with their side of the story regarding the incident that happened on February 15 which got strong criticism from different organisations.
A press statement issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (S) said, Mangat Ram, a civil contractor was found murdered on February 14. As per eye witness statement of Master Gajender Singh Shekhawat, who is the helper of the murdered contractor, three youths namely, Ngaminlun Mate (17) s/o Jamjathang (Chief of Sehlon village), Sonkhopao (18) s/o Jamjathang (Chief of Sehlon village), Tiljangam Haokip (18) s/o Thongkhosei (Chief of Wayang village), were involved in the incident, while Paokholet Haokip (40) s/o late Jamjathang was present outside the shop.
According to Master Gajender Singh Shekhawat, the press release said, he saw these three boys entering their shop from back door.
They tried to catch hold of Ganjender as well but he escaped.
Ganjender immediately ran to the nearest sentry post and sought help to save life of Mangat Ram.
By the time Assam Rifles troops reached the site, Mangat Ram was already murdered.
After the incident, the press release said, these three suspected youths were detained at RP Post outside the Unit campus so that they may not escape.
It was done in the presence of the villagers of Sehlon, it claimed.
They were personally briefed by the Commandant that the Unit would not do any interrogation, but would hand them over to police the next day for further investigation.
On February 15, at around 1 pm, when a police team was about to take the accused youths in custody based on the statement and FIR filed by Gajender Singh Shekhawat, the villagers including few miscreants started pelting stones and womenfolk of the village started assaulting AR personnel with long sticks and snatching weapons of few personnel.
The press release alleged that few of the villagers even attempted to assault two unarmed policemen as well.
The Commandant himself was standing with the Chiefs of Sehlon and Phoilen village to ensure peaceful completion of investigation by the police.
In order to protect and guard the police from the violent crowd and save their weapons and personal safety, the troops of Assam Rifles intervened and snatched sticks from womenfolk who were assaulting them.
In this course of action eight personnel of Assam Rifles were injured and few civilians also sustained injuries.
Medical treatment by Assam Rifles doctor was provided to the civilians.
The PRO clarified that AR and Sehlon village have excellent relations.
Assam Rifles had provided electricity, water and medical facilities to the village.
The village chief himself regretted the incident during a meeting held at Sehlon's Chief's residence with the Commandant of the Unit on February 15. Representatives of Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) James Doungel and Robul were also briefed by the Commandant in person and were given assurance of continued support to the local population.
The press release said that AR has full respect for Kuki local customs and traditions.