Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 17 2009:
Taking serious offence over the allegations leveled by PREPAK, the Army authority today said that the 57 Mountain Division has never been involced in any human rights violation or fake encounter, neither it has ever acted as the henchman of any political body, a PIB (Defence Wing) release said.
While saying that generalized accusations of such nature in the name of security forces are grossly offensive and maliciously intended, the statement said that the 57 Mountain Division has been striving for peace in Manipur and has always held the hand of the common men.
It said that all its actions and activities have been directed towards upliftment of the weaker section of the society.
It added that large number of MCA projects and excursion tours conducted by the Army are ample proof of its genuine intention.
The PIB (Defence Wing) statement also said that the Army is always willing to further the peace process while saying that it welcome all groups which are interested in peace talks.
If any UG outfit is genuinely interested in bringing peace in the state, why it doesn't come forward for talks instead of harassing the poor through extortion in the form of "contribution to the cause," it asked.
The statement further said that however belligerence of no group will be tolerated at any cost while asserting that any group involved in carrying out unlawful activities or sabotaging peace in Manipur will be strictly dealt with.
It said that the Army does not believe in terror campaign against the people as stated by the PREPAK, but will continue with its offensive against terrorist groups.