FIR Against Assam Rifles Amid Calls for Withdrawal

Last Updated on August 8, 2023 by SPN Editor

Imphal/August 08, 2023 (SPN) | In response to the complaint by Manipur Police, an FIR against Assam Rifles has been lodged. The FIR Number is 928(8) 2023 PGCI-PS.

This happens amid escalating demands for their departure from the northeastern state. This move comes as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) takes over key conflict zones previously under the control of Assam Rifles. The case pertains to nine Assam Rifles personnel who stand accused of obstructing public servants from performing their duties and intentionally causing harm.

According to a report from the police, Assam Rifles members allegedly impeded efforts to pursue militants. The First Information Report (FIR), filed on August 5, alleges that Assam Rifles personnel blocked police vehicles on the Kwakta Gothol road in Bishnupur district.

The state police were engaged in search operations related to an arms act case involving Kuki militants on Pholjang Road when nine Assam Rifles personnel stationed their ‘Casper’ vehicle to obstruct the path.

In the midst of these developments, the Manipur unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider a permanent replacement for the Assam Rifles with an alternative paramilitary force.

• Also Read: Buffer Zone by Assam Rifles Helps to Bring Peace

The party also emphasizes that this change is in the public interest and seeks the Prime Minister’s intervention to resolve the ongoing ethnic tensions in a harmonious manner.

A source from the Army, reveals that the issue is being addressed at a high level with the state government. Defending their actions, military sources state that Assam Rifles was acting upon a directive from command headquarters to maintain the integrity of buffer zones between Kuki and Meitiei areas.

For the past three months, Manipur has been plagued by ethnic conflicts between the Meities and Kukis, two tribal communities. The unrest began following a Manipur High Court directive for the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to one of these communities. Tragically, more than 160 lives have been lost and hundreds injured as a result of the turmoil.