Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08:
The Army authorities have asserted that since the induction of Army and Assam Rifles units in Chandel to provide a secure environment, a number of articles and reports have appeared in various local newspapers of Manipur about Sajik Tampak and other villages of Southern Chandel which are conveying an incorrect picture of the situation in South Chandel to the people of the State on the role of Army, said a PIB Defence Wing release.
It said that the Southern Chandel has been plagued by presence of various insurgent groups who were indulging in anti-national activities which are inimical to both the local population as well as the State and the Army authorities feels that the situation needs to be conveyed to the people in a correct perspective.
Reports of Army likely to use artillery guns and helicopter gun ships in the operation are incorrect, the statement clarified and added that the basic rules of engagement for the Army in Counter Insurgency operations is the 'Use of Minimum Force', which is practiced in letter and spirit even at the risk to the life of soldiers and the same principle has been applied while dominating the area in Chandel.
There has been number of fabricated reports of heavy casualty to the Army when the truth is that only on 19 April 2004, in which four valiant soldiers laid down their lives.