DIMAPUR, MAY 8 (MExN): A second column of the Assam Rifles is set to pick up stranded students and families of Nagaland from Imphal and bring them back to Kohima on May 9.
On May 6, Nagaland Government, Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police worked together to bring back 676 people from Nagaland stranded in violence-hit Manipur. The total in the first batch included 341 families.
A press release from the 1 Assam Rifles informed that in continuation of its ‘Operation Kohima Calling,’ the second Assam Rifles column under Col Umesh Sati, Commandant, 1 Assam Rifles will be picking up the Nagaland students/ families studying in Imphal for their journey back to Kohima on May 1.
It informed provided the contact numbers of officers accompanying the column. The officers that can be contacted are Colonel Umesh Sati Commandant, 1 Assam Rifles - 8650232211; Lt Col Bharat – 9589744078; Assistant Commandant Tamang - 9862659130 & 8250599861; Major Hashir Ahmad - 7408200275 & 8162958214; and Deputy Commandant Vijay Pal – 9401264794.
Guardians have been requested to contact Maj Naveen, Adjutant, 1 Assam Rifles – 7085525004.
AR refutes fake rumors
Meanwhile, the PRO Defense issued a separate press release refuting a “fake quadcopter video” alleging the Assam Rifles of helping armed persons of one of community that is under circulation.
“The said video apparently has been prepared not only to disturb peace and harmony of the state but also to malign the reputation of the force whose impartial and fair conduct is beyond reproach. Assam Rifles strongly condemns and denies baseless allegations by anti national elements who have released this fake video,” the PRO Defense stated.
It asked all sections of the media, influencers and the population are requested to refer to official sources & verified handles for any news/ content.
It meanwhile stated that the ongoing security situation had led to civil administration requistioning the Army and Assam Rifles for aid to civil authority duties. Over the past 96 hours plus, it informed that security forces have conducted themselves impartially in restoring law and order.
“Out of approximately 23,000 internally displaced persons, approximately 9,500 are from the Meitei community while another 10,000 belong to Kuki community. They have been accommodated in various Army and Assam Rifles Company Operating Bases/ Military Garrisons on humanitarian grounds. These empirical figures exemplify the aspect of impartiality and fairness of all rescue operations conducted by Army and Assam Rifles in restoring normalcy,” the PRO Defense stated.
Use of aviation assets intensified
In another press release, the PRO Defense informed that in order to significantly enhance the surveillance capability in Manipur, employment of aviation assets is being intensified. “In particular, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Helicopters have been pressed into action for surveillance not only in hinterland but also along Indo Myanmar Border,” the press release stated.
