From our Correspondent

SIVASAGAR, July 17: In less than a week’s time, another alleged molestation attempt by an Army jawan of Nitaipukhuri Naujan-based 287 Field Regiment, of a college student at Panidihing Dolopa area of Sivasagar district sparked off massive public rage and protests.

The accused Army jawan, identified as Anil Kumar Upadhyay had been yesterday handed over to Army custody after a trial at CJM Court. But the girl was on Tuesday brought to the Regiment’s Rang Ghar Charali-based headquarter and kept her inside for more than five hours from 11 am to 5 pm.

As the news spread, people along with various organizations which includes Brihattar Asomiya Yuva Mancha (BAYM), Takam Mising Porin Kaubang (TMPK), All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU), Sivasagar Mahila Samity, etc, took to streets and staged protest demonstrations in front of the Army headquarter and also staged a road  blockade. They blocked Rang Ghar-Sivasagar town road for two hours, demanded punishment of the accused jawan. The people did not allow any vehicle to ply. They were shouting slogans against the Army for allegedly forcing the girl to change her statement against the jawan.

Meanwhile, Major CS Sharma of the regiment came to the spot and pacified the protestors. He assured the people that speedy and stern action will be taken against the accused jawan AK Upadhyay involved in the alleged molestation attempt and the people dispersed peacefully.

On the other hand, twelve organizations, including BAYM, TMPK, ATASU, PCPD, AJYCP called a 12-hour Sivasagar district bandh on July 18, demanding justice to the victim and exemplary punishment to Upadhyay.

Meanwhile, PRO defence, Guwahati this evening released a statement about the Dolopa incident and regretted the incident. “An unfortunate incident has come to light where an Army soldier allegedly tried to molest a young girl in Dolopa gaon in Sivasagar district. Indian Army strongly condemns the incident and assures the people of the region that the guilty will be awarded exemplary punishment. A court of inquiry is already in progress on the incident to ensure speedy justice,” the statement read.