Three hurt in assault by RAF team
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 11 2023:
Tension gripped Thangmeiband area on Tuesday after nine vehicles of Rapid Action Force (RAF) went up the Cheiraoching (hillock) followed by another vehicle with snacks and liquor and subsequent commotion between the local and RAF personnel.
Three local youths were also injured as they were assaulted by the RAF personnel.
The incident occurred around 12.30 pm Tuesday when nine vehicles of RAF went up the hill, which is currently restricted for visitors due to the restive situation in the state.
As local raised suspicion over unwarranted presence of the RAF personnel some worn enfolk came out to assess the situation.
Amid the vigilance maintained by the locals, another vehicle showed up which upon checking found five occupants with three in RAF uniforms.
The women also found some snacks and liquor in the vehicle after which, they detained the vehicle and its occupants.
After about 30 minutes, the RAF personnel from the hill came down and started pushing and shoving the womenfolk.
They also assaulted three youths, who were passing by.
Later, senior police officials came to the spot and told the women that the RAF personnel were in the hills to take some rest as they were deployed whole night.
The police officers also assured to avoid such misunderstandings in the future.
Meanwhile, Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai Meira Paibi leader M Pramoda told the media that they were already suspicious of activities of RAF considering their conduct in the state including assault on journalists, bid to torch shops and vandalism of private vehicles.
Amid such situation, they cannot allow RAF or any other central security forces to loiter around, she said while demanding the government to remove central security forces from the state.