Surrendered UGs assault cop in public
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, September 10 2013: At least six surrendered cadres of a valley based outfit, in full combat dress, went on the rampage at the district hospital campus today while the Health Minister along with three of his counterparts were on a visit, shoving and punching a policeman on duty in full view of the public as well as the visiting officials.

Even as the Ministerial team that comprised of Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Industries and Commerce Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Parliamentary Secretary, M Prithiviraj, Parliamentary Secretary Vungzagin Valte besides other top bureaucrats, were about to wind up inspecting the hospital premises, about six men in combat dresses made their way into the hospital campus, yelling at the top of their voice and marched towards a policeman who was standing in a corner without any arms in hand.

They then shoved the policeman, dragged him towards the gate and punched him in full public view, creating a commotion for a good while, until some of the security officials intervened.

Some policemen were seen loading their rifles as the events unfolded, frightening the public of a shoot-out as the men in combat were initially thought to be personnel of the Assam Rifles.

The men who came in a black Bolero jeep daringly move about shouting, even after letting off the policemen, as they turned their jeep to make their retreat as the public, staff of the hospital, reporters and the security men who were on duty or accompanying the VIPs meekly looked on.

Some policemen on duty said they have barred public from entering the wards of the hospital during the VIP visit, and in doing so they might have annoyed some of the former rebels.

It is not known under what circumstances the Assam Rifles authority that were in custodian of the rebels allowed the group to leave their custody in full combat dresses, and more importantly to create a commotion at a venue where top ranking officials of the State are on an official visit.

The Superintendent of Police L Mangkhogin who was at Singngat sub-divisional headquarters at the time of the incident said due to the visit by officials his men have barred the entry of public to the wards during their stay.

While doing so, a man who appeared drunk made repeated attempt to make his way through against the policemen's advice, forcing his men to hold him back.

He added that when his details were sought, the man claims to be a surrenderee but could not provide an ID to prove it.

Even as the police were asking him other details including his mobile number, he may have alerted his comrades already, as they started chasing at the hospital campus and attacked some of the policemen on duty.

The SP further said that the men in combat dresses were with the 46 Assam Rifles and that they were among those who have surrendered before the Chief Minister yesterday at 1st MR.He also said that an FIR will be registered by the police in connection with the incident.

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