Manipur: RAF personnel allegedly vandalises vehicles parked at Imphal west

In Manipur, RAF personnel have come under scrutiny following allegations of vandalizing parked vehicles in the Moirangkhom area of Imphal West. The incident has triggered a wave of outrage among local residents, leading to demands for accountability and justice.

The alleged act of vandalism took place on June 12. The RAF personnel can be seen targeting and thrashing vehicles parked in the Moirangkhom locality. The incident was captured by CCTV camera, providing crucial evidence that has raised concerns about the conduct of security forces in the region.

The shocking footage has sparked public anger, with residents expressing their disappointment and demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.

It is worth noting that on May 27, three RAF personnel were suspended following their alleged involvement in an attempted arson incident captured on CCTV footage in the New Checkon area of Imphal East.

A large number of people on June 13 gathered to stage a sit-in protest against the alleged excessive acts of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel who were accused of vandalizing vehicles parked in the Moirangkhom area of Imphal West district, Manipur.

The protest, which took place in Singjamei Parking and Moirangkhom, aimed to condemn the reported harassment inflicted by RAF personnel in Singjamei and Moirangkhom on the previous night. Locals joined the protest to express their collective disapproval and demand justice.

Speaking at the protest, Sougrakpam Sumati highlighted the unanimous resolution of the women in the Singjamei area to boycott the RAF in response to their alleged ill behavior and excessive actions. The incidents that occurred on June 12 in Moirangkhom and Singjamei, involving the alleged throwing of mock bombs, physical assault, firing of tear gas shells, and vehicle vandalism, were strongly condemned as highly condemnable acts that provoked the local residents.

Sumati emphasized that security forces are meant to protect the people, but the reported mistreatment by the RAF has caused widespread distress among the community. She warned that the womenfolk would not remain silent in the face of such atrocities committed by security forces and called for accountability.

Recalling the events of June 12, Sumati explained that residents of Singjamei used to maintain vigilance during the night to prevent any untoward incidents in the area. However, a suspicious passage of RAF personnel led the residents to request a vehicle check. Despite their request, the forces denied access, leading to a confrontation between the women and the RAF personnel. The situation escalated, resulting in the forces assaulting the protestors and firing tear gas shells in Singjamei. Later, the RAF personnel proceeded to the nearby Moirangkhom area, approximately 1.5 km away, where they allegedly harassed individuals and damaged vehicles parked along the roadside.

Simultaneously, a significant number of women from the Moirangkhom area also participated in the sit-in protest, expressing their discontent over the RAF's reported excessive acts. The protestors condemned the destruction of vehicles and the hurling of stones by RAF personnel, which resulted in injuries. They questioned the purpose of deploying the RAF if their actions would lead to further attacks on the people.

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly who is also MLA of Yaiskul constituency, Thokchom Satyabraya expressed his concern regarding the alleged excessive acts of the RAF on June 12. He regarded the incident as unfortunate and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those involved.