AR reiterates its position
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 30 2020: Stating that the case of alleged assault and harassment of a lady IPS officer at Khudengthabi checkpost, is under detailed investigation through a staff Court of inquiry ordered by the Assam Rifles apart from the investigation by the State police, the Assam Rifles has iterated that issuance of press releases and statements by various organizations concerning the incident which is still under investigation, is rather unfortunate and unwarranted.

A statement issued by IGAR (South) further explained that media coverage on the reported incident on January 20 and the photograph of the lady IPS officer appearing in uniform with a local editor, appeared without any preliminary investigations.

It continued that the Assam Rifles decided to ensure the dignity of the case by not releasing the photographic and video evidence to media and added that it will be shared only with investigating agencies and the Court concerned, as and when required.

Appearance of an advocate on behalf of the jawan to MSCW on January 27 to facilitate the legal procedure was also done in spirit to honour the institution and bring the facts to its notice, it added.

It claimed that statements like "Assam Rifles should be removed from Manipur", "PVCP Khudengthabi should be closed" and "Handing over of Assam Rifles post to State forces" in media by certain organizations clearly bring out the aim of ultimate narrative being propagated by vested parties.

It explained that prevention of narcotics smuggling has been a focus area of elected Governments and therefore has been a mandated task of the Assam Rifles.

To save the citizens, specially the Manipur youth from the menace of drugs, total dedication by Assam Rifles has led to the recovery of over Rs 500 crore of drugs and contraband items last year alone.

Some vested parties benefiting directly or indirectly from smuggling specially drugs have been demanding removal of Assam Rifles post from NH-102, it claimed.

PVCP Khudengthabi is the only post of Assam Rifles on NH-102 where checking of incoming goods from Moreh is being carried out with the help of modern infrastructure which was purchased by Ministry of Home Affairs.

The inconvenience and delay caused is understandable but checking is required in the larger interest of the Nation and Manipur.

The effort to further reduce the inconvenience to public is already underway for the past few months like proposal to install full body vehicle scanner, install portable X Ray scanner for vehicles and widening of road, it explained.

It conveyed that the Assam Rifles is also committed to provide all possible support and cooperation in the investigation and bring out the facts of the case under independent investigating agencies so that action on erring individual on either side can be taken.

Assam Rifles is also committed to performance of its duties in the interest of the Nation on the directions of the Central Government.

It is providing much needed security in the State in general and the border areas in particular and has been implementing large number of Government welfare schemes with dedication, it added.

Furthermore, the Assam Rifles conveyed gratitude to the general public and various organizations which reposed faith in the commitment of Assam Rifles towards the people of Manipur and the Nation.

Comment