Security forces have denied allegation of taking sides in their bid to control the current situation in Manipur.
Reacting to fake video being circulated in social media and reportedly showing Assam Rifles helping armed persons of one community, defence PRO said that the video had been prepared not only to disturb peace and harmony, but also to malign the reputation of the force whose impartiality and fair conduct was beyond reproach. PRO said Assam Rifles strongly condemned the baseless allegations by anti-national elements for releasing the fake video.
PRO mentioned that the volatile situation in Manipur had led the civil administration to requisition Indian Army and Assam Rifles and claimed that the security forces had conducted themselves impartially in restoring law and order.
According to the PRO, out of the approximately 23,000 persons displaced internally due to the orgy of violence, around 9,500 of them were from the Meitei community and another 10,000 belonged to Kuki community. He said they had been accommodated in various army and Assam Rifles company operating bases/military garrisons on humanitarian grounds.
PRO said these figures exemplified the impartiality and fairness of all rescue operations conducted by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in their bid to restore normalcy. However, he lamented that inimical elements were spreading false rumours about the leanings of security forces towards a particular community.
PRO called for dispelling such rumours as they not only tarnished the image of the apolitical and righteous forces, but also demoralised the soldiers who executed the operations on ground.
PRO further requested all sections of the media, influencers and people to refer to official sources and verified handles for any news/content.
Manipur violence: Army rejects rumours; flags fake video
