Fresh slur on AR personnel

Imphal, June 04: In yet another slur cast on the security personnel, family members of Thingom Surjit alias Rocky (25) of Thamnapokpi Mayai Leikai alleged that the youth was picked up by security force personnel and later done to death and not as claimed by 33 Assam Rifles authorities that Surjit was killed in an encounter. Mention may be made that Surjit was killed on May 2 evening near Kakching Khunou Tokpa Ching under Waikhong police station. The accusation by Surjit's family members follows official identification of the body today. Surjit, who left home some four years back is reported to be a lance corporal of the PLA and was earlier arrested by the State commando. After he was released from jail Surjit rejoined the underground outfit again. Family members alleged that Surjit was picked up by the AR men while he taking a walk near Tokpa along with another underground activist who managed to evade arrest. After the necessary procedure at RIMS morgue today the body has been handed over to family members. Meanwhile, the RPF has also alleged that its PLA cadre identified as lance corporal Khoisnam Amu alias SK alias Loken alias Muthi (27) was killed by 12 AR personnel after arrest from his Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai residence on April 8. At the time of his arrest amu had Rs 10,000, alleged the RPF in a statement issued by assistant chief of department of communication and publicity Tombi. The AR had misinformed of Amu being a KCP member that was subsequently clarified and published in State dailies after family members had identified the body, reminded the statement. The RPF also expressed its solidarity to the suffering of the bereaved family. In the meantime, identity of the body handed over to Chakpikarong police station by 21 Assam Rifles personnel yesterday afternoon (2 pm) has been established as maibam Ibotombi alias Priyokumar (30) s/o Abhim of Mayang Imphal Maibam Leikai. Family members who confirmed the identity today said Ibotombi left home some seven months back to join the PLA. according to reports conveyed to Kakching police station yesterday by the Chakpikarong based 21 AR an operation was conducted on June 2 at Bethel village at around 11.30 am. The village is located about 30 kilometre west of Chakpikarong police station. The AR claimed that Ibotombi was killed in an encounter when the troops advanced to a suspected hideout of the UG group. The troopers reported recovery of one 7.62 mm SLR weapon, one magazine containing 30 rounds and diary with the name Ibotombi. The body has been subsequently handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS morgue.