Assam Rifles vacates Hongbei post

Mungchan Zimik
UKHRUL, Jan 12: The 40 Assam Rifles personnel posted at Hongbei junction have started evacuating the location today following stiff opposition from the local villagers.
This came after an irate mob on Saturday destroyed the makeshift camp of the Assam Rifles.
The villagers had accused the 40 AR of harassing the local villagers by frequently frisking along the road to villages under Kasom Khullen block.
Commuters often face immense hardship at the AR post due to unnecessary frisking and checking. This caused hostility between the members of the public and the security personnel, said locals.
On Saturday evening, the AR personnel had refused to release a truck carrying timber for construction of a house. A commotion ensued later with locals demanding the AR to release the truck. The situation escalated and a crowd stormed the makeshift camp and dismantled it.
The district administration officials and police rushed to the area to take stock of the situation.
According to the village authority, the 40 AR "forcefully occupied the area without the consent and permission of the village" violating the customary rights of the village.
Following the incident, Tangkhul CSOs led by Tangkhul Katamnao Long president Ramreichan and members of Tangkhul Wungnao Long, Southern Students' Union, Eastern Students' Union, Women Union and heads of villages held a joint meeting with officers of Assam Rifles including DIG 10 Sector Sandeep Singh, Commandant 40 AR Sunil, DC Kamjong and SP.
During the meeting, the Assam Rifles reportedly agreed to withdraw and start evacuating the Hongbei post.
A joint meeting will be held tomorrow at Ukhrul town in the presence of Tangkhul Naga Long to work out an amicable settlement.