Dimapur, February 23 (MExN): The Assam Rifles today refuted to the allegation on harassment of cadre of NSCN(R) and excess by its forces as “a deliberate attempt to malign the image of Assam Rifles” which appeared in the local dailies on February 23. Clarifying on the incident, the AR in a statement maintained that “no humiliation or harassment was committed and the cadres were released within 15 minutes after the cadres were taken for questioning.”
The operation was launched around 4:45 pm after AR battalion in Mon district received inputs of armed persons moving around the City Post Office. This was initiated to ensure safety and security in the area, AR stated in the statement issued by PRO, HQ IGAR (N) Lt Col L Vincent Patton. “Three individuals who were detained were PSOs of President of NSCN (R),” the statement added. The AR further claimed that the detainees had violated the Ceasefire Ground Rules by “moving without Identity Cards and carrying unauthorised assault weapons in public place.”
However “upholding, the spirit of Ceasefire and Peace process, the individuals were left around 5:00 pm within 15 minutes after completing the formalities,” it further said. “There was no humiliation or harassment as is alleged,” the AR added, further reaffirming its stance that its “operation upholds human rights and are unbiased as per mandated Ceasefire Ground Rules.”
