Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 22:
Authorities of 14 Assam rifles based at Leiraoching, Senapati district coerced villagers from Leiraoching to Motbung and forcibly directed them to take out public rallies in the name of peace on August 21 from 10 to 12 noon, alleged the Senapati units of Naga Peoples� Movement for Human Rights and Naga Women�s Union.
The rallyists were made to carry banners/placards inscribed 'Save our Souls, Assam Rifles protect our lives', 'Assam Rifles; friends of the hill people', 'We love peace, we love God, we love the security force' etc, said the two organisations in a joint statement issued to the press today.
Charging that the security force also threatened the villagers with dire consequences in case the matter was leaked out or discussed with any outside people or organisation, the bodies further accused the Assam Rifles of collecting blank copies of letter heads of the village authorities of some villages.
While some village heads reluctantly gave in to the diktats, the para-military force dictated the contents and obtained the signed letter heads under the pretext that they will be used for providing projects under the Military Civic Action programme, detailed the bodies terming the attitude of the security force as morally and ethically wrong.
The bodies condemning such unauthorised, uncalled for and irresponsible initiatives of the security forces who in any case have no locus standi over the public on such civil matters also urged the law enforcing agencies to stick to their duty of providing security in its proper perspective.
They also appealed to authorities concerned to rein in such security units so that the prestige of the security forces is not affected as well as to avoid hindering peaceful, daily life of the public.
It also expressed hope that there would be no repercussions and the villagers allowed to enjoy the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.