Tribal bodies condemn AR assault on villagers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 18 2012: All India Tribal Students Association, Delhi (AITSA) has expressed shock and anguish on the reported excesses committed by 36 Assam Rifles personnel to Somtal villagers on February 15 .

A press release issued by its president K Zou said that the association is mentally and legally prepared to take up the matter at the national level if the family of the victims and KSO formally approaches its Grievance Cell in the interest of national integrity.

The release alleged that AR personnel promptly displayed their excellence in racial chauvinism upon the poor mongoloid tribes of Indian origin living in Sehlon village, New Somtal in Chandel district near the Myanmar border with Manipur, to avenge death of a non local.

The non-local was a salesman in the Army canteen, who was allegedly killed by another non-local salesman on February 14, it added.

The press release further said, when the Government of India is fully committed to the integrity of the nation and protection of its citizens, AR personnel acted in such a barbaric and antinational manner by taking advantage of AFSPA to satisfy themselves and their eccentric mainland Indian ego.

It alleged that 10 innocent tribal villagers were brutally beaten up and molested 17 young tribal women including two pregnant women.

The president added that such conduct of AR troops led by a learned Commander completely defeated the conduct of the outlaws.

The Association deplored that most Army officers posted in the NE region has been taking advantage of the innocence of tribal people in the name of counter insurgency several times.

It is time that any unlawful conduct of the Army must be brought to the Ministry of Home Affairs for inquiry and the erring personnel must be booked under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of (ST/SC) Atrocities Act read with the relevant Army Rule, it added.

Women's body alleges: Contending that about 27 civilians, including 17 women, suffered injuries in the assault by personnel of 36 Assam Rifles at Sehlon village of Chandel district on February 15, All Tribal Women's Organisation, Chandel has demanding that the guilty personnel be punished and the AR post be shifted from its present location.

A statement issued by the Association alleging that the AR personnel also prevented KSO and Kuki Chief Association volunteers from taking the injured villagers for treatment also demanded that AR authorities bear treatment cost of the injured persons.

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