Army's conduct to be probed : SA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2024:
Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh has given an assurance to probe Army's brutal crackdown on womenfolk at Sabungkhok Khunou yesterday, said Imagi Meira convenor Th Sujata.
She said this to media persons after a seven member team of Imagi Meira met Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh today.
Sujata said during the meeting with the Security Advisor, Imagi Meira condemned the excessive use of force by the Central Security personnel on women at Sabungkhok Khunou which injured at least eight.
During the meeting, Sujata said the Security Advisor gave assurance that the incident will be probed if there is evidence that excessive force was used on the women, and if found guilty, the personnel will be punished according to law.
The Security Advisor, however, did not agree to removing the entire Central security forces from Sabungkhok Khunou, Sujata said.
Notably, womenfolk of Sabungkhok Khunou and adjoining areas were protesting Kuki militants' attack on civilian settlements and demanding removal of Central Security Forces from the area when they were physically assaulted by the personnel of the Jat Regiment, stationed at a brick field.
They had accused the Central security personnel of not stopping Kuki militants from attacking Meitei civilian settlements.
While a total of 15 women were hurt, at least eight of them were grievously injured in the assault.
One woman was allegedly hit with a brick on her back.
Many suffered multiple contusions on different parts of their bodies.
Meanwhile, during the meeting today, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh also informed Imagi Meira that the January 10 killing of four villagers in Haotak was being probed.
Sujata said Kuldiep Singh "acknowledged" that there were "lapses" on the part of the Jat Regiment personnel deployed in the area to contain and avoid violence.
"The Security Advisor said an inquiry is being conducted to find out if there had been lapses on the part of the Jat Regiment.
He has assured that all those who are found guilty will be punished," Sujata said.
Regarding the two incidents, Imagi Meira will meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey tomorrow, she said.