Date:03/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/03/stories/2007100362001400.htm

National

Assam Rifles personnel ‘attack’ villagers

Imphal: Forty-five villagers, including some women, were allegedly beaten up by the Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur after a jawan was killed in an ambush in Thoubal district on Sunday.

Official reports received here on Tuesday said the Assam Rifles personnel of the 21st battalion allegedly went on the rampage and assaulted local residents after calling them out of their houses following the ambush.

Sources in the hospitals at Thoubal said some of the seriously injured villagers were brought to the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for treatment.

Several social organisations, including ‘Apunba Lup,’ the major apex body of different organisations, have condemned the security forces’ alleged excesses.

They warned of an agitation if those responsible behind the incident were not punished.

The banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has claimed responsibility for the ambush. — PTI