Manipur: AR personnel 145;lathi-charge146; women protesters

PERSONNEL of the 38 Assam Rifles posted at Kotlien in Senapati district allegedly went on a rampage when a large number of women protested the alleged rape of a teenager by an AR personnel. During the lathi charge on the protesters at the AR8217;s Kotlien post, several of the protestors were injured and some local mediapersons roughed up.

An 18-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted and raped by an inebriated AR jawan on Wednesday. Around 200 women converged on the AR post to protest, when the AR personnel resorted to a lathi charge. Some mediapersons were also reportedly slapped and prevented from taking photos or video footage of the AR action.

In a release, the AR has said that the jawan in question could be one of two deserters reported missing from the battalion HQ since March 12. Senior officials have also promised prompt action.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Working Journalists8217; Union has strongly objected to the treatment meted out to the scribes at Kotlien.