PIB (DW) clarifies on 11 AR drive against extortion
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14 2011:
PIB (DW) has claimed that 11 AR achieved a major success in their drive against extortion activities of the UG groups when they apprehended the finance in-charge of NSCN (IM) for Zeliangrong region, George Gonmei s/o Abuan r/o Thuijang Imphal.
A PIB (DW) press release said that troops of 11 AR launched an operation in which George Gonmei was apprehended on March 13 with a cash of Rs 19,000 .
PIB (DW) said that it is a known fact that George Gonmei, in the past, resorted to extortion, not even sparing Government organisations like BRO.
The harassment of the BRO only leads to the disruption of road development in remote areas.
On learning about the apprehension, a mob of 400 people of Tamenglong town gathered outside the gate of 11 AR Battalion Headquarters and demanded for immediate release of the cadre, it added.
PIB (DW) release further said that the Commanding Officer and Medical Officer went to meet the locals to pacify the crowd.
In the ensuing melee, the agitated crowd snatched one AK 47 rifle and one radio set from the troops of 11 AR and thereafter resorted to stone pelting thus causing injuries to nine soldiers.
Inspite of the worsening situation, the officers and troops of 11 AR demonstrated exceptional restraint otherwise the situation could have worsened.
The press release added that 11 AR over a period of time has been doing a lot of good work to bring about and maintain peace and harmony in the area and large number of Military Civic Action Projects for upliftment and people's welfare of Tamenglong region.
Such unwarranted and illegal actions by the locals only work as dampener for the troops to do humanitarian activities, it said.
The PIB (DW) release appealed the people not to be instigated by anti-social elements and interfere in lawful activities of the security forces.