Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 09 2010:
The Assam Rifles have refuted the charges levelled against the force by the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) that the 29 AR has desecrated the sacred abode of Ima Nongpok Panthoibi at Kwatha village.
In a press release issued today, the PRO, HQ IG AR (South) said that the press release of RPF against the officers of 29 AR and the troops is simply a case of frustration leading to vilification.
The press release said that over the last two years, troops of 29 AR have always stood by the villagers of Kwatha in their hour of need.
The ancient temple at Kwatha village is revered by the troops as well.
It is on record that the troops of 29 AR helped the villagers in sucessful conduct of annual Lai Haraoba in honour of the deity.
The same has been acknowledged by the locals in the press also.
The 29 AR under 29 Sector had provided lot of stores for renovation of the temple.
A large amount of cement bags, CGI sheet, paints, bulbs and tubelights were given.
The local press had lauded the efforts of the unit on April 1 by publishing a report on the renovation work in the local dailies, the press release stated.
It further said that the successful civic action programmes carried out by the troops of 29 AR in the village and the general area have weaned the locals and youths away from militant organizations.
This has irked the militant leaders.
Hence they have taken out their helplessness on a decorated officer Maj MS Arun Kumar who has worked beyond the call of duty to help the locals and is appreciated by all, it added.