Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 21 2008:
Alleged excesses committed against four tribal students by personnel of the 3rd Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) is being investigated to ascertain charges of bashing up incident that reportedly took place on October 18 morning at Sugnu Bazar, under Thoubal district.
According to Robert Gangte spokesperson of Kuki People's Forum, Chandel district Paominthang Haokip (14), Francis Doukhopao (15), Paonou Haokip (14) and Mark Haokip (16) were thrashed by some IRB personnel, stationed at Sugnu post, under the influence of
alcohol.
The KPF strongly condemning the IRB men's brutality is threatening to launch intense agitation in case State authorities do not rusticate the guilty and the IRB post shifted from the present location.
On the other hand, an official who is part of the investigating team, said an internal inquiry has begun since yesterday to authenticate allegations made by local tribal leaders and initiate appropriate action against those found guilty.
With regard to demand for shifting the IRB post, the official confided that a meeting with KPF functionaries and other tribal elders/leaders would be convened at Sugnu on October 24 .