Torture of villagers of Old Somtal, Chandel District Manipur

September 3 2014

ASSAM RIFLES TO STOP THE TORTURE AND TERRORISATION OF OLD SOMTAL VILLAGE, CHANDEL DISTRICT AND FACILITATE THE IMMEDIATE RETURN OF TWO KUKI FAMILIES ILLEGALLY DRIVEN OUT FROM THE VILLAGE

Centre For Organisation Research and Education strongly condemns the reported bomb blast near the Assam Rifles post located at Old Somtal (Samat) Village in Chandel District in the early morning of 26 August 2014 that was claimed by an armed non-state organisation, and the cruel and inhuman torture and ill-treatment involving the inhabitants of the village by the 3rd Assam Rifles after the bomb attack.

According to the news reports, just after the blast, all villagers including children and child bearing women were forced to parade in the rain the whole day till around 8:00 PM without any food or water.

Also, it has been reported that during the forced ‘parade’, three persons were brutally assaulted inside a house, acccording the Hueiyen Lanpao. The bomb attack caused panic and traumatised the villagers. Mediapersons who visited the village a few days later reportedly found children and other family members still huddled in great fear inside a small hut without any food after being threatened by the Assam Rifles personnel. The children wept upon seeing the media team.

On the next day, on 27 August 2014, charging two villagers, namely Mr Lumkhojam (57 years of age) and Mr Jamkholin (36 years of age) for the bomb attack, it was also reported that their families were expelled from the village under the orders of the post-Commander, one Major Sooter. In the process of the arbitrary forced bansishment, the family of Lumkhojam had to abandon his aged father of about 120 years because he could no longer walk.

This illegal inhuman action was taken despite that fact that the village Chief had declared the innocence of the two familes before the Assam Rifles according to the reports. It was also reported that Lumkhojam stated that the villagers have lost their freedom after the arrival of the Assam Rifles in 2007.

The international humanitarian rules of engagement in war stipulates parties involved in te conflict must ensure that no harm must come to civilians. India is a state party to the Geneva Conventions. It is matter of immense pain to CORE that in the name of counter-insurgency operations and management of security threats to the state, India is encouraging localised brutal autocracies in its border areas.

CORE remains deeply concerned for the physical and psychological welfare of all villagers of Old Somtal as well as the prevailing situation of great anxiety and fear. The condition of the members of the forcefully expelled families, especially the children, women and the elderly with respect to their access to shelter, healthcare, clothes, food and water remain a matter of great distress to CORE.

We strongly condemn the inhuman torture and ill-treatment of the villagers of Old Somtal perpetrated of the 3rd Assam Rifles according to the reliable sources. It is a clear violation of their human rights. We strongly urge the government of Manipur to take full responsibility to ensure the immediate welfare and rehabilitation of the villagers and the immediate return to their homes of the families forcefully /vevicted by the Assam Rifles. The government of Manipur must ensure that the continuing threats and terrorisation of the villagers by the Assam Rifles are put to an immediate halt and peace restored in the village.

Dr. Immanuel Zarzosang Varte
Executive Director
Website: www.coremanipur.org