The Manipur Police lodged a case against the Assam Rifles amid intensifying demands for the paramilitary force’s removal from the northeastern state. In key conflict regions, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units have taken over positions previously held by AR troops. Nine Assam Rifles members are charged with “defying the law with an intent to harm by a public servant and hindering a public servant from performing their duty.”
Reports indicate that Assam Rifles personnel prevented the police from pursuing militants. The FIR, registered on August 5, contends that Assam Rifles staff obstructed police vehicles on the Kwakta Gothol route in Bishnupur district. While on Pholjang Road to conduct searches linked to an arms act case targeting Kuki militants, nine Assam Rifles personnel positioned their ‘Casper’ vehicle, effectively blocking the route.
Defence insiders have mentioned, “Assam Rifles were acting on directives from the command headquarters to uphold the integrity of the buffer zones between the Kuki and Meitei regions.”
Manipur Police’s recent FIR against the Assam Rifles stems from an altercation between the two entities last week. However, some security experts view the FIR as a “misrepresentation of justice.” They emphasize that the Assam Rifles was fulfilling their duty in maintaining the peace in the buffer zones between the Kuki and Meitei territories. Responding to these developments, the Army released a statement, highlighting a perceived attempt to tarnish their image and reaffirming their commitment to preventing violence.
