Imphal: A legal notice has been served against the national secretary of Republican Party of India (Athawale) Thounaojam Maheshwar for alleged derogatory remarks against the Assam Rifles in Manipur during a recent public meeting. The legal notice dated August 18 signed by Advocate Nitin Khera of Shillong Bars Association was addressed under the instructions of his client, Assam Rifles (South), represented by Inspector General, Assam Rifles (IGAR) South.
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According to the legal notice, Thounaojam Maheshwar in the official capacity of national secretary of RPI (A) on June 30 while holding a condolence meeting named “Condolence of Meitei Martyrs”, in New Delhi, raised certain baseless allegations against the Assam Rifles and demanded removal of Assam Rifles immediately from Manipur.
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The legal notice highlighted the role of the Assam Rifles by stating that the Assam Rifles has been diligently serving the nation, playing a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and development in various regions, including the State of Manipur. It also pointed out that although the state of Manipur is not a notified area under AFSPA, the Competent Magistrate had specifically issued requisitions dated May 3 and May 5 this year, for the Armed Forces to be deployed there for aiding in maintenance of law and order.
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Th. Maheshwar has been demanded to tender an apology both in written and in public for allegedly defaming the Assam Rifles within 15 days from the receipt of the notice and also to avoid making any defamatory statements and remarks against the Assam Rifles in future, whether in public forums, media, or any other means. He has also been directed to pay Rs. 5,100 to the Assam Rifles towards the cost of the instant legal notice.
It may be mentioned that the Meitei Community in violence-hit Manipur has been alleging the Assam Rifles of being biased and abetting the Kuki people in the aftermath of the ethnic clash that erupted on May 3 and has been demanding removal of the Assam Rifles from the entire state while the Kuki community has been demanding to deploy them for their safety and protection.
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