Abuse under AFSPA should not be tolerated: ATSUM

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

KANGPOKPI, May 4: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) slammed the 25 Assam Rifles personnel who allegedly harassed a Custom Officer under the command of Major Vinod on April 27 morning and termed the incident as ‘another Dark Chapter’ for the men in uniform in Manipur. ATSUM alleged that Major Vinod and his personnel intentiolly abused and harassed Gaikhonlung Panmei, IRS, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Department of Revenue who was on official duty at a check post manned by the AR at Thonglang Akutpa along Imphal-Tamenglong road despite the Customs officer showed his official identity card and me plate on his vehicle at around 10 am on April 27. ATSUM’s Rights and Reservation Secretary, Simthar Jajo alleged that the IRS officer on official duty was travelling in an official vehicle with flag post and me plate. Terming the incident another ‘Dark Chapter’ for the men in uniform Simthar Jajo lamented that such unruly behaviour the whole security apparatus is seen in a bad light. The friends of the hill people must not act as foes  while adding that sometimes there might be misunderstanding but intentiol abusing of power under the garb of AFSPA by the men in uniform should not be tolerated under any circumstances. Despite submitting a complaint to the Commandant of 25 AR, Lairouching by the IRS officer no positive steps were initiated by the AR authority so far, alleged Simthar Jajo who on behalf of the student body. The Major should tender apologies.