Dy CM petitioned
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 18 2013:
The naga Women Union (NWU) and Rongmei Lu Phwam (RLP- Rongmei women's organisation) have submitted a joint memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam to take necessary action against authorities of 8 Gorkha Regiment alleging that GR troops severely tortured an innocent individual under the pretext of counter-insurgency operation.
Speaking to mediapersons today, NWU and RLP representatives contended that troops of 8 GR led by one Major Sachin of Khoupum (Namkaolong) post picked up one Nailin Malangmei (54) s/o (L) Gaisangam of Satudai, Tamenglong district on July 14 at around 5 am.
A cultivator by profession Malangmei was blindfolded, thrashed with deadly weapon and water poured in the mouth and nose, mentioned the memorandum submitted by the women's bodies to the DyCM on July 17 .
It is said that Malangmei was assaulted for conceding that he had no knowledge about whereabouts of UGs (ZUF/ZTF) .
Along with demanding that Government adequately compensate the victim, the joint representation also called for punitive action against the GR troops and Major Sachin as well as issue strong directive that security forces do not harass innocent civilians.
Recounting the ordeal, Malangmei said he was taking out the cattle for grazing when a GR team numbering about 30 personnel approached him and enquired whether he was aware that 15 ZUF/ZTF cadres have entered the village.
On being told that he had no knowledge about the UG activists the officer leading the GR troops slapped him with the insistence that Malangmei should be well aware of UG movement.
After blind folding him the other troops rained blows due to which Malangmei said his audibility has been affected due to possible damage in his left ear.
Further narrating that he was made to lie on the road and subjected to severe torture, Malangmei said the GR troops left after a stern warning that he would be shot in case the incident was revealed to either the ZUF or the Government.
Prior to his thrashing, Malangmei said the previous day he witnessed some GR troops abusing and punching one Lungkhanthai Gangmei for smoking in their (GR) presence.
Lungkhanthai was driving a tractor on the fateful day, he added.
Besides NWU president Aram Pamei and RLP president Panti Golmei, Tribal Youth Council president M Tolkham Maring was also present during the media briefing.
Ridiculing campaigns by the army and Assam Rifles that security forces are 'friends of Manipur' when in fact even innocent citizens are subjected to third degree torture, the presidents strongly condemning the brutal assault against Malangmei demanded that GR authorities initiate stringent punitive action against Major Sachin and all the GR personnel involved in the incident.
Declaring that the organisations would boycott Gorkha Rifles with immediate effect, they also asserted that the common public will not support or extend cooperation to GR unless and until suitable action is taken against the guilty personnel.
It is also informed that Malangmei was initially taken to Khoupum primary health centre from where he was referred for further treatment here.
According to a doctor at a city hospital, Malangmei's left ear-drum has been damaged, said the trio adding that a complaint has been lodged at Khoupum police station on the incident.
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