| Cowardly acts
Two disturbing incidents have raised questions about the method being used by Central forces deployed in Manipur to assist the civil administration in fighting militants and maintaining the law and order. Thingujam Dhirendra was taken away by a posse of Assam Rifles from his residence at midnight, apparently for questioning. His pregnant wife, who saw her husband carried away by the midnight callers, broke down when she found her husband's lifeless body the next day at the RIMS mortuary. The body bore multiple bullet wounds. She could identify one of the officers who had taken away Dhirendra.
The Okram Ibobi Government has ordered a judicial inquiry to find out the circumstances leading to the death of the man, who came overground after laying down arms. The Assam Rifles authority has not offered any explanation on how the man died. In the other incident, a group of CRPF personnel directed their ire against unarmed, innocent and unaware civilians, after four of their colleagues fell to the bullets of militants at Pangei bazaar.
Reports suggest that the CRPF personnel went on firing long after the militants who mounted the attack escaped from the scene. The result is that more than 40 people who bore the brunt of the CRPF anger were admitted to the hospital. Two students including a young girl were too gunned down and it is alleged that they were shot dead in the CRPF retaliation. Killing a former militant allegedly in custody and targeting the civilian population in revenge for the militant attack are not fights against militancy. These are acts of cowardice.
Ironically it was only a few days back that the CRPF brought the local population closer to the paramilitary force when they improved a road at Pangei area. But the good works like repairing school buildings and distributing sports and stationery items to the local children by the CRPF in the recent past have been spoiled by this single episode at Pangei after the militant attack. Dos and don'ts of the security forces advise the civilian population that when an encounter takes place the civilians on the spot should not run; instead they should lie down to protect themselves and avoid casualties. Now people must be wondering whether they are advised not to run away only to be butchered.
After the Pangei incident who will dare to remain frozen on the ground when there is an encounter. The security forces have all the rights to retaliate when they come other militant attack. But to direct the ire towards civilian population is gross violation of human rights. The Assam Rifles demonstrated laudable restraint when their men were attacked at Sagolmang bazaar by militants. Such restraint on the part of security forces could instill confidence in the minds of the brutalized people. The Government and the security forces have been asking militants to the appeals after the Dhirendra death case. If they think themselves to be friends of the civil population such incidents should be avoided. Another disturbing question is if the protectors turn marauders who will provide protection for the hapless people.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
|
Welcome! 
International
Features
