Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 23:
An apparent misunderstanding between personnel of the Assam Rifles and Manipur Rifles nearly led to an ugly showdown between the security forces in Kotlen of Senapati district today.
According to press sources, a near confrontation situation ensued when a team of 16 Assam Rifles showed up at the 5 MR post of Kotlen Repeater Centre after being alleged misinformed by a local woman who was earlier denied entry into the MR post.
It is reported that the woman who used to collect food waste for her piggery farm was prevented from advancing beyond the sentry gate when she arrived at around 5.30 am today as the MR personnel were on a specific military drill at that time and was told to come a little later.
However, the woman seemingly intimated her daughter on the denial without specifying the reason which led to the daughter contacting the AR post.
By about 9.30 am an AR team under a Major showed up at the Repeater Centre and ordered that the MR personnel, who were already in their uniforms, produce identity cards.
With the MR men not obliging the order, the Major insisted that they (MR) form fall-in and repeated the ID-card call to which the MR personnel asked for formal instruction from either the police headquarters or consent of the Commanding Officer without which they could not take the Major's order.
When the AR team attempted to compel the MR men follow the Major's instructions, the visibly annoyed MR personnel armed themselves and took position, the source maintained adding that upon sensing the situation the Major briefed the 5 MR CO and left the scene.
On hearing the confrontation, IG (LO-III) V Jathang accompanied by DIG (AP-II) LK Haokip and Commandant 16 AR TK Mukherjee reached at the MR post (Repeater Centre) and conducted verification of all the personnel deployed there.
Later, an understanding was arrived at that the situation developed due to mis-understanding and the official team left the location.
Assistant Commandant 5 MR Shamu also arrived and reviewed the situation.