Activists decry army excess at Sibilong Village, alleges molest of women

IT News
Activists today alleged Assam Rifles personnel molesting women and assaulting the innocent villagers of Sibilong in Tamenglong district while conducting combing operation at the area in the aftermath of the snatching of service weapons from IRB personnel by cadre of NSCN-K.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today afternoon, Panti Golmei, President of Rongmei Luh Phwam (AMN) said that troops of 23 Assam Rifles conducted a search operation as a follow up action after UGs snatch weapons of IRB personnel at the area without accompanying ay women police.
She also strongly refuted the PIB defence claim of two villagers Kabigai and Numkhaolung  as cadres of NCSN –K saying that both are civilian residing Sibilong Village.
Some armed cadres snatch weapon on Aug 29 from IRB personnel from Sibilong area and NSCN-K had already claim responsibility of snatching the weapon.
Some days later PIB defence in a press statement has claimed arrest of two person involved in the snatching of the weapon. NSCN –K MIP had already clarified that the two person arrested by the army are not related with the party.
Panti Golmei further said that the 23 AR cordon the Sibilong Village on the night of August 30 and conducted search operation in the area without bringing any female security force. The AR try to pull up Kabigai and Numkhaolung however the villagers tried to resist the arrest saying that both are innocent civilians. However, the AR troopers instead saying that they will only talk for 3 hours with the 2 in a house.
Panti Golmei said that the villagers were surprised seeing both of them coming out in combat dress after some times. And added that in the course of time more additional troops reinforce but without any women police The AR trooper then started charging the villagers with baton and women who tried to resist them were molested in front of the villagers, she added. At least 22 people were injured among which 12 had been hospitalised at Nungba Health Care Centre.
Representatives of Rongmei Naga Council, Manipur, Rongmei Luh Phwam, Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation and Rongmei Students’ Organisation had paid inspection visit at Sibilong village and found out what had happen there on August 30 eveining.
Demanding immediate release of the two persons arrested and also to ensure immediate compensation and treatment to the injured womenfolk who were assaulted by the AR troopers, the four bodies had submitted a 4 point Ultimatum to the Deputy Chief Minister who is also in charge of home department.
The four bodies also demanded appropriate action against the security forces who had committed excesses and brutalities to the womenfolk of Sibilong village on that unfateful day. They also demanded apology in writing to the villagers for the excesses and brutalities they have committed against the innocents womenfolk of Sibilong village  
Panti Golmei said the body will precede serious form of agitation if the government failed to fulfill the demand by September 10.