The PRO (Defence) Kohima and Imphal on Saturday rebutted the news reports on the Phougakchao incident which were published on Friday by local dailies, stating that the reports have given factually incorrect details and claims.
A rebuttal issued by PIB (Defence Wing) stated that four newspapers have resorted to “misrepresentation of facts by publishing a different version about one incident.” The allegations of electric wire are incorrect and baseless, it mentioned.
The allegation as to the alleged assault with a gun butt is factually incorrect as Assam Rifles displayed utmost restraint in dealing with the women protestors prior to arrival of RAF, it stated.
The allegations as 20 women being hurt by action of Assam Rifles are entirely false, it stated. The Assam Rifles and the Indian Army displayed utmost restraint in controlling the crowd before the arrival of the RAF. The averment as to Kukis being present with the Assam Rifles is absolutely false and deceitful, without any basis and a continued effort of certain sections of media, it mentioned.
It is also reiterated that there were no Kuki militants present in the area of Phougakchao, Awang Lekai and Kwakta as the Indian Army was deployed in these locations, it stated.
“On August 3, 2023 at 3 am, a roadblock was established at Phougakchao to prevent the move of Meira Paibis towards Kangvai. At 8 am, more than 1,000 Meira Paibis gathered by that time, became aggressive and violence started, confronting security forces and removed the first blockade of concertina wire and barricade set up by the Security Forces at Phougakchao,” it stated.
“To prevent further escalation and to stop the mob from moving towards Kangvai, a Caspier vehicle of Assam Rifles was placed to prevent the mob from advancing to Torbung Bangla, it stated. Subsequently around 11:50 am, a crowd of violent men and women aggressively started pelting stones, while miscreants in the crowd fired at security forces. In response to the threat, RAF used smoke grenades to disperse the agitated mob,” it mentioned.
Security forces are adequately trained to exercise restraint and work in the most professional manner to ensure safety of civilians and ensure there is no collateral damage or loss of life, it added.
