AR DG clarifies on 'videos', says allegation preposterous
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 27 2024:
Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General PC Nair has addressed the ongoing concerns and controversies surrounding the situation in the state, asserting that many of the videos circulating online are doctored and misleading.
He emphasised that these videos are being used by individuals with hidden agendas to incite trouble and unrest in the region.
He also said that the allegation of Assam Rifles being biased in the current crisis is preposterous claims.
Speaking to media in Shillong as reported by India Today NE, Lieutenant General Nair pointed out that a significant number of the videos purportedly depicting violence and unrest in Manipur are actually from other regions, including Myanmar and areas with Rohingya populations.
He explained that these videos are being falsely represented to create a false narrative about the situation in Manipur.
"Many of the videos being circulated don't even belong to the northeast.
They are from Myanmar, from the Rohingya region.
Some people with hidden agendas are doctoring these videos to show them as security forces acting against people," Nair stated.
He acknowledged that while some videos do indeed depict incidents in Manipur, they are often partial clips taken out of context, leading to a distorted view of events.
"For example, if an incident occurs over ten minutes, only a brief segment might be shown, which can mislead viewers about the true nature of the situation.
Unless you see the entire video and understand the complete facts, you might be misled by these partial narratives," he added.
Lieutenant General Nair also dismissed reports suggesting that Assam Rifles has been biased in its operations in Manipur since May 3.He described these reports as baseless rumours and falsehoods, driven by specific agendas.
"From the first day, Assam Rifles has maintained a neutral stance in Manipur.
Claims of bias towards any community are preposterous and without any foundation.
We can substantiate our neutrality with statistics," he asserted.
Addressing the broader security situation in the northeastern region, Nair highlighted the impact of instability in neighbouring countries like Myanmar on the northeast.
He noted that the movement of insurgent groups, contraband, and weapons from these regions has significantly affected security in the northeast.
"When assessing the security situation in the northeast, one must also consider the conditions in neighbouring countries.
The northeast shares borders with Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Issues in these countries, especially in bordering areas, inevitably impact the northeast due to shared land borders and common ethnicities," he explained.
He emphasised that the political changes in Myanmar have had a considerably impact on the northeast, exacerbating the movement of insurgent groups and illegal activities.
Additionally, the ongoing situation in Manipur since last year has further complicated security in the region, with spill over effects on neighbouring states.
"Whatever happens in Manipur doesn't remain confmed to Manipur.
It has the potential to spill over into neighbouring states.
Overall, the security situation is quite okay, but there are ongoing challenges with insurgency, contraband movement, and militant activities", Nair concluded.
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