SIPHRO

Imphal, February 11, 2007: The isolated and remote hamlet of Tuyang within Dingpi area of Chandel district is enduring the apathy and distrust of Assam Rifles, in oblivion to the outside world. The hamlet inhabited by just about 100 people have been suffering maltreatment at the hands of security forces.

A statement issued by the Dingpi Area Development and Peace Committee conveyed that the simple villagers of Tuyang are being tortured by personnel of 16 AR posted at Holenyang.

On one such occasion, a troop of AR personnel led by Captain Rocky, post commander came to the village on February 4 at around 3 pm and thrashed the villagers with rifle-butts and canes in addition to kicking them with heavy boots all over the body without giving any reason whatsoever for the cruel treatment.

Due to the unprovoked atrocity 10 innocent villagers identified as Limkhopao (35) s/o Thongkhokin, Tonglet (30) s/o Paohou, Ginmang (35) s/o Hemhol, Ngulngam (60) s/o late Lethun, Yongsei (31) s/o Jelsei, Limjaleng (25) s/o Mongjathang, Lamthang (43) s/o Dorsei, Lunmang (40) s/o Lousei, Seminathang (35) s/o Lousei and Thangkhalal (24) s/o Yamkhothang suffered critical injuries.

It further informed that the villagers including wom en have been forced to keep watch during night till dawn.
Moreover, the villagers have been asked to leave the place. The villagers who are solely dependent on farm products have been prohibited from going to fields. A large portion of the agricultural fields have been usurped by security forces to set up their camps.

In January last, many trees of a grove nurtured by the villagers for the last several years under constant care were cut down wantonly by security forces without seeking permission from the villagers nor paying any price for the cut down trees.

About 30 truck loads of timber worth Rs 3 lakhs (approximately) have been taken away by security forces, mentioned the statement.

Following the large scale destruction of the grove, the villagers are facing water scarcity.

Contrary to the earlier expectation of the people for a better life and some light of development with the arrival of security forces, the villagers get nothing but atrocities of all sorts, it said.

Reminiscing the days when UNLF cadres were present in the area, it recalled that the UG cadres treated them with respect and extended help in situations of hardships and economic difficulties.

It further appealed to all concerned including civil organisations of the State to help remove the 16 AR post located at Holenyang at the earliest.

Source: The Sangai Express