Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27:
Referring to news reports published in State dailies, consequent to the visit of representatives of some human rights bodies and social organisations to Sajik Tampak, the Army authorities have clarified that certain restrictions imposed in the 'disturbed part' is due to security reasons.
The restrictions have to be imposed as safety concern of the villagers is held at high esteem by the Indian army and should not be misconstrued as an attempt by the security force to curtail or restrict human rights of the people in the area, asserted a PIB (Defence Wing) statement.
The statement also claimed that civilian casualties occurred due to mines and IEDs planted by the militants with the only interest of the security force is stopping foraying of the villagers in certain area to prevent further casualties.
Endorsing displacement of villagers the PIB cited fear of militants for villagers fleeing their homes and not due to deployment of security personnel as clearly illustrated by the villagers moving closer to areas dominated and controlled by the security forces.
Contending that security forces provided relief materials to the displaced villagers before presence/arrival of civil administration authorities, the PIB clarified that restriction on purchase of food items and other essential commodities is to cut off supplies of the militants holed up camps on the Indo-Myanmar border.
It is for the long term benefit of the local population and they have to bear with the minor pinch being experienced today for a peaceful tomorrow, expressed the PIB while adding care is being taken to cause minimum inconveniences to the innocent population.
It further clarified that due to time constraint security forces had to occupy available accommodations like schools, which were closed for summer vacations and some other Government buildings which were not in use.
The statement also assured that the security force will shift from their present occupation before reopening of schools as the Army acknowledges the plight of the student community and aspires to preserve normal academic atmosphere at all cost.