Firefighters resolve not to discharge duty
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 23 2023: Firefighters of Manipur Fire Service have resolved not to discharge duties until the personnel of 16 Jat Regiment who allegedly assaulted five of its men including an officer at New Checkon on May 22 are suspended.

Today, personnel of Manipur Fire Service staged a protest demonstration at its station near Pologround denouncing the alleged excesses of the security force.

The protester raised slogans which urged the Government to take up actions against the personnel of 16 Jat Regiment who allegedly thrashed firefighters in uniform who were on a duty to douse a fire at New Checkon yesterday.

They also said that they will not perform any duty until the demand is entertained.

Firefighters resolve not to discharge duty

It is reported that Major L Subashchandra of the 16 Jat Regiment came to the protest site and held a talk about yesterday's incident with the Joint Director of Manipur Fire Service L Nandakumar.

Speaking to media persons after interacting with the protesting firefighters, Major L Subashchandra said that yesterday's incident took place owing to certain misunderstanding while trying to douse a fire at New Checkon and control the tense atmosphere in the area.

He also stated that an enquiry has been initiated to take action against the personnel.

The protesters, on the other hand, said that they will remain firm with their resolution of not carrying out duty unless a written assurance is given about taking action against the personnel of the 16 Jat Regiment.

One of the protesters who is a Sub Officer of Manipur Fire Service H Jeevan said that they rushed to New Checkon after receiving information of a fire breaking out in the area from the control room of Imphal East SP yesterday.

Saying that they were not able to reach the site initially due to road blocks, he added that they requested the DSP of Manipur police at the area to help in clearing the road for fire tenders to pass through.

He went on to state that the firefighters were threatened by some group of people to not douse the fire.

Further stating that they tried to get to the site from another route with the help of police, Jeevan said that the fire tenders were parked near the City Convention due to the presence of a mob.

"A moment later we heard the sound of gunshots and people running," he added.

Saying that the personnel of the Jat Regiment then instructed them to douse the fire, Jeevan maintained that the firefighters asked the security personnel to clear the road and control the mob first for the fire tenders to move behind the vehicles of security forces to douse the fire.

He claimed that the firefighters in uniform were assaulted for responding that pressing the fire tenders into action will not be possible without clearing the debris blocking the road and without security coverage.

The firefighters who were assaulted include one Officer of Manipur Fire Service, one leading fireman, one driver and two personnel, he added.

Attacking officials in uniform should not be taken lightly, he added.

Jeevan then urged the Government to take action against the personnel of 16 Jat Regiment who assaulted the firefighters.

It is reported that Security Advisor to the Manipur Government Kuldiep Singh, a Brigadier of 16 Jat Regiment and the Director of Fire Service Themthing Ngasangva held a talk about yesterday's incident.