DIMAPUR, MARCH 18 (MExN): The Duncan Bosti Council (DBC) has deemed as “unwarranted” a house search conducted by the Assam Rifles (AR) at the residence of its Joint Secretary. The DBC in a press statement, while informing of the incident, said that the “search operation” was conducted by the 37 AR in the wee hours of March 17. “The operation of the 37 Assam Rifles was followed by compelling the Joint Secretary of the Council to sign a ready made bond paper brought by the 37 AR which read ‘No claim/objection certificate (NC/OC) by house owner/local bodies.” As per the bond paper, a copy of which was attached to the press statement, no occupant of the house was harassed and no damage to property was caused, while no one had any complaint against the security forces conducting the operation, the DBC said.
Expressing its censure and condemnation, the DBC termed the search as “unwarranted and inhuman” and a violation of human rights. “… The operation of 37 AR under the garb of AFSPA/DAA” is nothing but to “instil fear psychosis to the Council Joint Secretary and his family.” While the search may not have caused physical harm to any person or property, the DBC held it was psychologically disturbing to the women and children of the house and an act of “character assassination” of a reputable citizen.
Further, the DBC stated that the raid was conducted without the presence of women police personnel as mandated by law. Stating the AR made the search based on mere suspicion without legal warrant, the DBC appealed to the AR higher authority, NGOs and citizens alike to condemn such acts, which violates human rights. “Repetition of such ugly episode cannot be accepted and tolerated any longer in future in any civilized society as no one is above the law,” the DBC said.
