Imphal, Aug 29: The Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force operating in the northeastern region of India, has issued a legal notice to Maheshwar Thounaojam, a leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), for making derogatory allegations against the force regarding its role in the Manipur conflict. Thounaojam had demanded the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles from the state of Manipur.
The legal notice, dated August 18, referred to statements made by Thounaojam during a condolence meeting held in Delhi on June 30. The notice accuses him of discouraging and demoralizing the Assam Rifles and demands a formal, written apology along with a public apology to be issued through prominent media outlets within 15 days. Failure to comply with these demands may result in legal proceedings against Thounaojam. The notice also requires Thounaojam to pay Rs 5,100 to cover the cost of the legal notice.
During the condolence meeting on June 30, Maheshwar Thounaojam reportedly made certain allegations against the Assam Rifles regarding its involvement in the Manipur conflict. Thounaojam’s statements included claims that villagers in Manipur reported that the Assam Rifles had been assisting Kuki militants.
He suggested that these allegations warranted the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur and questioned whether the force played a significant role in the ongoing violence in the state.
The legal notice, issued through Advocate Nitin Khera, outlines the Assam Rifles’ grievances against Thounaojam’s statements. It asserts that these statements have negatively impacted the morale and spirit of the force.
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Consequently, the notice demands the following actions from Thounaojam:
- Formal, Written Apology: Thounaojam is required to issue a formal, written apology addressing the Assam Rifles.
- Public Apology: A public apology must be issued through prominent media outlets within 15 days of receiving the legal notice. The notice specifies that this public apology should receive similar visibility to the original derogatory remarks.
- Financial Penalty: Thounaojam is expected to pay a sum of Rs 5,100 to cover the cost of the legal notice.
In response to the legal notice, Maheshwar Thounaojam characterized it as “undemocratic.” He defended his statements, clarifying that he had referred to inputs “as reported by villagers” regarding the Assam Rifles’ activities. He also explained that his remarks about the Assam Rifles’ role were presented as questions rather than definitive statements.
Thounaojam stressed that his statements were made not in his political capacity but as a concerned Manipuri citizen. He emphasized that India is a democratic country, and issuing a legal notice in this manner was inappropriate. He reiterated his purpose in visiting Delhi as being a voice for the people.
