Assam Rifles have refuted the alleged claims that the secretary of Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) of Manipur, Michael Lamjathang Haokip, was manhandled by Assam Rifles troops.
A release by PRO IGAR (South) issued on Monday stated that Assam Rifles Vehicle Check Post at Tengnoupal is established primarily for checking and seizure of any illegal drugs or other illegal products like arms, wildlife and forest products, gold and others with a purpose to maintain peace and tranquility in the district and for welfare of the society at large.
The allegations made by Michael Lamjathang Haokip are baseless and discouraging, it said while adding that on November 12 at around 4:30 pm, Michael reached the vehicle check post in his vehicle and without giving due respect and empathizing with the plight of the locals and tourists waiting for their turns to get checked, he jumped the checking line, ignoring the discomfort being caused to senior citizens, ladies and children waiting in queue and argued with the Assam Rifles soldiers on duty to give him priority, as he being a powerful person and secretary of TSA.
The solider on duty most politely conveyed Michael that other persons are waiting in queue since long and hence he should also wait for a while, it added.
However, ‘Michael was adamant on being given priority over the people in waiting and be left early. The solider as being trained, most politely denied his request and appealed him to be in line but Michael took the refusal to his ego and on November 13 he met the commandant 12 Assam Rifles with his complaint in the presence of SP of Tengnoupal and after due verification was apprised of no wrong doing by the soldier on duty,’ stated the release.