Assam Rifles refutes UTLA slur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 21 2013:
Categorically dismissing accusation by the UTLA (Robert Singson's Faction) about two of their cadres abducted by troops of 22 Assam Rifles and torturing them by use of electric current during interrogation, a PRO IGAR (S) release termed the allegations as completely incorrect and baseless.
On receipt of specific information on May 16, regarding armed cadres threatening and imposing unlawful curfews on locals of Paithol village, which lies within the area of responsibility of 22 AR, an operational column was launched during which two UTLA (Robert Singson group) cadres namely (Army No 1047) S/S PRO Thangjagan alias Nganbom (33) s/o Thangkholal of Zalenphai (Senapati) and (Army No 0333) S/S Pvt Hencha alias William (20) s/o Letgin of Monglenphai in Churachandpur district Manipur were detained from the house of Langhlan Singson, village chief of Ngahmunphai (Paithol II) as suspects, said the PRO release.
Stating that on positive identification by locals as UTLA cadres, thorough search of the individual was carried out and one .32 mm pistol with five rounds of ammunition was recovered from them, the release also informed that after arrest of the duo, seizure memo was prepared by the AR troops and signature of the village chief obtained along - with three other witnesses.
The apprehended cadres were then handed over on a first Information report to Jiribam Police Station on same day.
Besides medical inspection of the cadres by Medical Officer of 22 Assam rifles, the same was carried out by doctors of Community Health Centre, Jiribam prior to handing them over to the police.
Both medical check ups have confirmed the cadres' well being.
Allegations of torture are baseless and misleading, intent to malign the image of security forces and cloud the misdemeanours of errant cadres of the UTLA (Robert Singson's Faction).
As per the SoO agreement, the UTLA cadres are required to stay in their designated camp at Churachandpur.
however number of cadres of Robert Singson group are staying in and around Jiribam without proper authority or permission.
These cadres are involved in extortion activities in the areas and are in possession of weapons which is a clear violation of SoO agreement, explained the release while pointing out that on July 20, 2012 also two cadres of the same group were apprehended at Paithol village area and one 9 mm pistol with seven rounds recovered from them.
Unlawful activities of UTLA (Robert Singson Faction) have been reported to Inspector General Police (Intelligence), CID (Headquarters), Manipur Police by the Assam Rifles.
Reports of this nature are being used to falsely implicate the troops of Assam Rifles and to bring disrepute to the Force, it added.
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