DIMAPUR, AUGUST 10 (MExN): The Press Information Bureau of the Defense wing today issued a press statement terming the allegation against the Assam Rifles of assaulting civilians in Zunheboto on August 7 as “malicious reportage.”
The statement issued by the Defence PRO, Kohima, while terming the allegation “as a malicious attempt” to malign “the image of the Assam Rifles” defended that the AR troops exercised “absolute restraint” at the time of the incident on August 7.
According to the Defence version of the incident, it happened during an AR operation launched on August 7 at Zunheboto’s Project colony around 5:30pm to capture a suspected member of the Yung Aung led NSCN (K).
The statement said, “On reaching the intended location it was observed that the locals, women included, were beating up an individual. The Assam Rifles troops then intervened to save this individual.”
It stated that the operation’s target individual, identified as one Hito Sumi, was also spotted in the crowd. He was apprehended but the crowd reportedly “turned violent” while trying to free the apprehended individual from the custody of the AR.
Despite, it said that the AR troops exercised restraint and managed to move the suspect to a secure location, while adding that he was found to be in possession of 9mm pistol. He revealed on questioning that he was a Captain in the Yung Aung led NSCN (K), the statement said.
As opposed to the allegation that civilians, including women were assaulted by rifle butts during the incident, the statement reiterated that no member of the public was harmed by the AR troops.
It maintained that the apprehended individual was handed over to the police and was neither tortured nor ill-treated. “This has been confirmed by a doctor from the District Hospital at Zunheboto,” it claimed.
The Defence statement further alleged that the apprehended individual was a drug user and also a tuberculosis patient. Following his arrest on August 7, he reportedly displayed “withdrawal symptoms” for which “he had to be admitted for medical attention,” it stated.
It termed as “falsely represented” a photo, circulated on social media, purported to be of the arrested with “several stitches on his head.” “Mr Hito is currently admitted in the hospital with police guard and is being treated for substances abuse addiction and tuberculosis ailment,” it maintained.
It also released a photo, which the statement said was of the arrested taken on August 10 at the Zunheboto District Hospital and added that the report of Hito Sumi’s arrest appeared in the media on August 10.
As per the statement, all operations by the security forces are conducted “in an ethical manner within strict rules and regulations that are in place” with “utmost regard to human rights and safeguards” as enshrined by the law.
While it sought public cooperation, it also appealed that the general populace should not fall prey to misinformation.
