RPF refutes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2023: The proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has refuted the claim that one of its cadres was nabbed by Assam Rifles along with drugs recently.

A press release issued by RPF in response to the news item "Assam Rifles nabs PLA cadre with drugs in Manipur" published by Ukhrul Times on January 26 as a statement of IGAR (East) said that the man who was projected as a cadre of RPF is Sairem Basanta Singh @ Bomcha @ Angamba (39), s/o Late S Gopimacha Singh of Lakhipur Ward no 8 who was expelled by their senior leaders.

The outfit went on to claim that Basanta had already surrendered before the Government and was being used by Assam Rifles to serve their interest.

Claiming that Basanta was taken out from jail by Assam Rifles in September 2022 and issued their identity card to him, the RPF asked why Basanta was projected as a cadre of RPF.

Further claiming that Basanta is merely a paw of Assam Rifles, the outfit asked whether the drugs seized from him truly belonged to him.

Alleging that 'narcissistic blame shifting tactics' of Assam Rifles to sell RPF as a drug smuggler will not bear fruits, the outfit claimed that they will always stand against drugs.

"How are large consignments of drugs being smuggled to Manipur routinely when there are security personnel in almost every corner of the State," the outfit asked.

Claiming that Assam Rifles nabbed a commander of People's Defence Force (PDF) based in Myanmar along with a large amount of drugs from Tamenglong in December 2022, the RPF alleged that the Assam Rifles released the person along with the drugs by giving a direction to kill the members of Manipur based underground groups in Tamu.

Claiming that the drugs seized from five security personnel at Pallel recently might be associated with the drugs released by the Assam Rifles, the RPF alleged that the truth will emerge if an independent public inquiry is initiated against Basanta and the police personnel.

"Will the War on Drugs campaign of the State be successful seeing all these dramas of the security forces especially Assam Rifles," the outfit questioned and asked why the Assam Rifles which can even get an information of its cadres movement is not aware of the vast cultivation of poppies in Manipur.

Are all these poppies being planted by Assam Rifles and a group of mercenaries, they asked and claimed whether Chief Minister N Biren was indicating involvement of Assam Rifles in poppy cultivation by saying armed groups are involved in the illegal activity.

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