Cops-AR tension at Jiri
Source: The Sangai Express
Jiribam, July 16 2013:
Move-ment of all sorts was blocked along a stretch of NH-39 (Imphal-Jiribam) for a short while today following an altercation between Manipur Police personnel and Assam Rifles jawans posted at Jiribam.
The pandemonium between the AR and Police personnel erupted following the arrest of an individual who came in a numberless vehicle by a team of Jiribam police and Commandos around 9.15 am today at Jiribam.
Eyewitnesses said personnel of 22 Assam Rifles tried to secure the release of the arrested man claiming him to be one of their men.
However, the police took the individual into their custody.
The arrested man has been identified as Seineo Guite s/o Lamthang Guite of New Lamka, Churachandpur.
Sources said he is involved in extortion activities in Jiribam area.
He extorted money from businessmen and individuals in the name of KRA (U) and threatened them of dire consequences through phone.
The sources further added that he was arrested along with extorted money today by the police.
Later, a scuffle ensued between AR and Jiri police personnel when a team of AR personnel led by a Major went to the Jiribam PS and tried to secure the release of the arrested man by coercing the police.
The already highly charge-up situation was heightened when AR personnel blocked any kind of movement along the stretch of the highway near the police station for a short duration.
However, with the intervention of officers of 22 Assam Rifles including its 2 IC, a compromise was reached between the two parties at Jiribam PS.
What actually transpired during the meeting at the PS was not known.
Although the tension subsided once, the public of Jiribam is visibly panicked as the tension reportedly continues to simmer.
A report said Seineo Guite is a cadre of the underground United Tribal Liberation Army (SK Thadou).