Protesters on Sunday decried the alleged brutal assault on two village volunteers by 22 Assam Rifles of which, one was in a critical condition and undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The two victims have been identified as one Pukhrambam John, 35, son of late P Binoy and Ningthoujam Romeson, 30, son of N Hero both from Awang Wabgai under Sekmai police station, Imphal West.
In an effort to defend Awang Leikinthabi village, which is located at the border area of Imphal West district and Kangpokpi district, from attacks from Kuki militants, the villagers set up bunkers at the hill range of Nongpok Ninghthou and the volunteers are guarding the village on rotational basis by staying at the bunkers, president of Koirengei Wangma Village Development Committee, Ph Priyokumar told media at Awang Leikinthabi ground on Sunday.
He alleged that the two volunteers were assaulted by personnel of 22 Assam Rifles on Saturday when they tried to get their vehicle which they left at the hill range. Priyokumar said the two volunteers went to the hills after getting information that Assam Rifles personnel were at the hills thinking that it would be out of danger.
However, they were detained by the Assam Rifles personnel and allegedly assaulted brutally. After district SP, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, officer-in-charge Sekmai Police station informed the commander of the Assam Rifles, they were released the same day, he added.
After the two volunteers were released, John's health condition started deteriorating on Sunday night. He was admitted to Sekmai Health Centre and later referred to Raj Medicity, Priyokumar added.
The committee strongly condemned the act of Assam Rifles and will file an FIR against 22 Assam Rifles and will fight in the court, he said, adding that the committee will fight until they get justice and if necessary, they will knock the door of the Supreme Court.
The protestors held placards that read, “no two separate administrations in Manipur”, “implement NRC in Manipur”, “withdraw SoO agreement with Kuki militants” and others.
The protest was staged under the banner “condemned 22 Assam Rifles for physical assault to Meitei civilians” and “withdraw Assam Rifles immediately from Manipur”.
