Assam Rifles strongly refutes the news published in a news portal dated July 25, 2023 regarding the alleged torture of two Meitei persons belonging to Awang Wabagai by 22 Assam Rifles in Leikinthabi Nongpok Ningtho Hill on July 23^rd.

Assam Rifles through a press statement on Wednesday said that ‘as per Assam Rifles, on 19 July 2023, due to continuous firing by armed miscreants towards the Phaileng Ridge, a Joint team of Assam Rifle columns along with CRPF and KPI Police were deployed to the North of Ningthou Hill. On seeing the security forces, the armed miscreants fired effectively with automatic weapons on the security forces, which was responded in a calibrated manner with controlled fire, in self-defence and for the protection of civilians in the area. Similar firing was carried out by the armed miscreants on following two days 20 and 21 July 2023 after which the armed miscreants fled the area. On 21 July 2023, when the joint team of Assam Rifles and KPI Police carried out the search of the area, total 15 bunkers and fired cases of lathode, two-inch mortars and AK-47s were recovered.’

AR added that on the afternoon of 22 Jul 23, a search of Ningthou Hill area was carried out. While conducting aerial surveillance of the area, one truck and four-wheeler were seen parked on the track leading to Ningthou Hill area from Awang Leikinthabi. Assam Rifles personnel proceeded to check the two vehicles. While moving to the area, two persons on a motorbike were found on the track near the vehicles. When enquired, it was learnt that they had come to retrieve the two vehicles which were likely used by the armed miscreants.

AR also said that both persons were asked to prove their identity. Imphal West police was contacted in this regard. Subsequently, on confirmation by Imphal West SP, police party along with the CRPF team came to pick them up. They were handed over to the police party. One of the person rode the motorbike and other person alleged to have brain injuries, drove the four wheeler back to the village.

Assam Rifles has also taken photos and videos during handing over of the persons to maintain record as per procedure. No harm was done to either of the two persons as alleged in the news article. Also, there are no admissions by the name of Ningthoujan Romeson and Pukhrambam in Raj Medicity Hospital, Imphal as alleged in the news article of the Manipur based news portal.

The issue of Salai Teret flag is also absolutely false and baseless. The Salai Teret flag was requested and obtained from the local Meira Paibis during interaction with them after the firing incident of 21 Jul 2023 and raised with due respect on the Ningthou Hill. Assam Rifles express deep concerns over the unverified and baseless reports by the news portal regarding assaulting two locals of Awang Wabagai and disrespect to the Salai Terat Flag.