UG camp busted in Tokpaching
civilian harassment alleged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23: In a protracted counter insurgency operation carried out by a combined force under the command of SP Thoubal district Dr S Ibocha at Tokpa Chingjao since last evening till this morning, camp belonging to the proscribed PLA and PREPAK have been busted even as allegations have been made of security personnel harashing innocent civilians during the operation.

Security personnel chase fleeing UGs during the operation

Earlier before the operation was launched, two individuals involved in collecting money for PREPAK were nabbed from Thongam Mondum Mahadeva at about 2 pm yesterday.

The two individuals are identified as Ningthoujam Sanjok alias Inao (22) of Tokpa Chingjao and Angom Ibotombi alias Jenchandra (18) of Kakching Khunou Uchan Makhong.

Following arrest of the two individuals, it was learnt that some PREPAK cadres have been camping at Tokpa Chingjao.

Subsequently, a combined force comprising of Imphal West commandos, Imphal East and Bishnupur district commandos and troops of 21 Assam Rifles launched the operation under the command of SP Ibocha in Tokpa Chingjao area at about 5 pm yesterday which lasted till 10 am today.

However, when the security personnel moved in all the UG cadres staying there had already fled away using boats.

The security forces were able to recover a solar lamp and some ration items from the busted camp.

Altogether, 20 boats were used in the operation and it took around one hour to reach Tokpa Chingjao on boat from the bank of the lake.

PREPAK cadres who escaped from the camp include Rocky and Shidaba, police said.

Besides 5 PREPAK cadres, 10 PLA cadres were also staying in the camp.

In the past two months, Thoubal district police have arrested 8 PREPAK cadres.

They are identified as Th Hemanta of Heirok Part II, Elangbam Umojit alias Kargin of Khangabok Lamlong Bazar, Naorem Khogen alias Yaima alias Jinabandhu of KCG Makha Leikai, Ningombam Surjit alias Loya alias Loyanganba alias Nongshaba of Hiyanglam Mayai Leikai, Thangjam Tunal alias Robindro of Ukhongsang Mayai Leikai, Maibam Lalit alias Laphoi of Ukhongsang Mayai Leikai, Thangjam Jayanta of Ukhongsang Mamang Leikai and Hijam Rishikanta alias Ibomcha of Wangjing Hodamba Leikai.

Out of them Th Hemanta, Elangbam Umojit alias Kargin and Ningombam Surjit alias Loya alias Loyanganba have been detained under NSA.

Meanwhile, there has been serious allegation of harassment of civilians during the operation by the combined force.

It is reported that Thiyam Muhindro (61) of Tokpa Chingjao and her daughter Premila (18) sustained sever injuries.

To one Elangbam Geeta (22) d/o Nageshwar of Elang Khangpokpi who came to her sister's place at Tokpa Chingjao, some commando personnel allegedly asked her to give them her photograph and name.

All three of them were treated at RIMS.

Injury marks and bruises can be observed on the back of Muhindro.

The combined force came to the village when the villagers were attending the inaugural function of a community hall yesterday and thrashed civilians.

The security personnel came again today morning and beat up Muhindro.

Premila who is an Anganwadi teacher was reportedly harassed by commando personnel asking unrelated questions such as location of storehouse of the UG groups.

Premila was also asked the locations of boats of the village.

Gita was threatened to come to Kakching police station on August 25.