AR rebuttal over Sehlon case
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 19, 2012: Reacting to the news report over alleged brutality by AR personnel on the villagers of Sehlon village, PRO Assam Rifles has asserted that the news report is not factually correct.

In a rebuttal, the PRO recalled that on 14 Feb 2012 at 1940 hrs, Mangat Ram, Civil Contractor was found murdered.

As per eye-witness accounts, Gajender Singh Shekhawat, the helper of the murdered Contractor and three youths of Sehlon village, namely, Ngaminlun Mate (17) s/o Jamjathang (Chief of Sehlon village), Sonkhopao (18) s/o Jamjathang (Chief of Sehlon village), Tiljangam Haokip (18) s/o Thongkhosei (Chief of Wayang village were involved.

Paokholet Haokip (40) s/o Late Jamjathang was present outside the shop.

As per Gajender Singh Shekhawat, he saw these three boys entering their shop from back door.

They tried to catch hold of him also but he escaped.

He immediately ran to the nearest sentry post and sought help to save life of Mangat Ram.

By the time Assam Rifles troops reached the site, the individual was found dead.

After this, these three suspected youths were kept at RP Post outside the unit campus so that they don't escape.

It was done in presence of the villagers of Sehlon.

They were personally briefed by Commandant that unit will not do any interrogation, but will hand them over to Police next day for further investigation.

On 15 Feb 2012 at 1300 hrs, when the police representative under SP, Chandel jurisdiction were about to take these accused in custody based on the FIR by Gajender Singh Shekhawat, the villagers including few miscreants started pelting stones and the ladies of the village assaulted with long sticks and started snatching weapons of few individuals.

Few of the individuals attempted to assault two unarmed policemen as well.

The Commandant himself was standing with chiefs of Sehlon and Phoilen village to ensure peaceful completion of investigation by the police.

In order to protect and guard the police from the violent crowd and save their weapons and personal safety, the troops of Assam Rifles intervened and snatched sticks from women folk who were assaulting them.

In this course of action, eight personnel of Assam Rifles were injured and few civilians also sustained injuries.

Medical treatment by Assam Rifles doctor was provided to the civilians.

The PRO clarified that Assam Rifles and Sehlon village have excellent relations.

Assam Rifles has also provided electricity, water and medical facilities to the village.

The village Chief himself regretted for the incident during the conference held at Sehlon's chief residence by Commandant of the unit on 15 Feb 2012.Representatives of Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) James Doungel and Robul were also briefed by the Commandant in person and were given assurance of continued support to the local population.

The PRO reiterated that Assam Rifles has full respect for Kuki local customs and traditions.

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