Army refutes claims of altercation in Sabungkhok
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 15 2024:
In response to news report "Ten women injured in scuffle with JAT Regiment" published in The People's Chronicle on January 15 edition, the Indian Army has denied the accuracy of the report, labelling it as false and carrying factually incorrect details.
A statement issued by PRO (Defence), informed that contrary to the claims made in the report, on January 14, a large group of women from the locality surrounded the Army post at Sabungkhok Khunou and attempted to forcefully remove Indian Army troops from the location.
The troops exercised due restraint and did not engage with the women activists.
Instead, the crowd was pushed back by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Police.
The Indian Army also contended that the allegations of preventing women from collecting bricks and inaction of the JAT Regiment amid attacks by alleged Kuki militants are baseless and false.
The statement further noted that women activists have been repeatedly interfering and attempting to hinder the operations of security forces in Manipur.
However, in adherence to the ethos of the Indian Army, which includes respecting women, the troops handled the situation with maturity and professionalism.
It stated that due to proactive measures taken by security forces in Gwaltabi Bowl, Yaingangpokpi, and the deployment of forces at Sabunkhok Khunou since December 25 last year, miscreants have been prevented from carrying out nefarious actions in the area.
The Indian Army expressed concern over the sensitive situation prevailing in Manipur and emphasised that the report seems to originate from a malicious intent to defame security forces and discredit their efforts towards the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
The Army urged media outlets and the public to verify information before disseminating or believing in unverified and potentially harmful reports.