ATSUM condemns 'excesses'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 22 2016 : The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has condemned the alleged excesses committed by personnel of 2/5 GR posted at Khoupum at the behest of a Lieutenant and Captain Sourap Choudury on July 21 .

It is so unfortunate and disappointing that the security personnel posted in tribal areas have been deliberately violating the fundamental human rights in the name of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958, said a press release issued by ATSUM general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang.

To enable network connectivity, SIM cards of Airtel were distributed to the villagers at Satudai village, Khoupum.

ATSUM information and publicity secretary Micah Kamei hailing from khoupum valley has been taking keen initiatives to connect all remote villages through mobile telecom connectivity.

In his endeavour to bring about changes in the area, he along with his members had conducted a canopy activity/road show by distributing "free SIM" cards to the unprivileged down trodden village dwellers.

The 2/5GR patrolling met the members of the canopy/road show of Airtel.

On seeing the programme, the Army personnel asked Micah Kamei to give the list of SIM card numbers with particulars distributed to the people to which the team replied that it would not be possible to gather the list at such point of time as all particulars had not been fully prepared for submission to the head office at Imphal.

Micah had further asked them to obtain the list from the head office if so required.

The army personnel then accused Micah Kamei of not respecting the Army personnel.

They maintained that no SIM cards should be distributed at Khoupum without prior permission of the Army posted there.

On their way back from Satudai, airtel company team were halted and Micah was taken inside the camp for a talk.

On entering the army camp Micah was slapped by one lieutenant.

The Captain Sourap Choudury of the 2/5 GR came out from the camp and threatened them saying that he has the power to shoot all of them and can give false allegation that they are UGs.

The ATSUM as an apex tribal organisation will not remain a silent spectator unless befitting action is initiated by the concerned authority, it added.

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