Gorkha Rifles Accused of Human Rights Violations

Lamka, Manipur, May 12, 2014 — On the morning of May 9, members of the Gorkha Rifles stationed in Muallum village reportedly subjected an innocent tribal man to severe physical abuse. The victim, identified as Mr. Chinjapau (48), a former army pensioner, sustained injuries to his legs, ribcage, and other parts of his body after being beaten with wooden sticks and rifle butts.

THE VICTIM

The assault took place at the Muallum army post, located approximately 20 kilometers from the Churachandpur police station in Lamka town. Muallum is a Zou tribal village situated between Lamka and Singngat.

Mr. Chinjapau, who currently resides in Kamdou Veng, was allegedly summoned by the Gorkha Rifles to the army post on the morning of May 9. Upon his arrival, he was reportedly attacked by a group of four Gorkha Riflemen, led by a Company Havildar Major (CHM). According to Mr. Khamchinpau @K. Zou, an advocate and social activist, “They began mercilessly thrashing and assaulting him, leaving him severely injured.”

MUALLUM CHECK POST

Closed sources indicate that the Gorkha Rifles accused Mr. Chinjapau of taking Rs 20,000 without their consent. However, this claim has been denied as false.

Mr. Chinjapau, after retiring from the army, worked as a security guard at the HDFC Bank, Churachandpur Branch, since October 2011. Relatives of the victim explained that the Singngat bus driver often gave ATM cards of army personnel to Mr. Chinjapau to withdraw money on their behalf. After withdrawing the money, he would return the cards and the money to the bus driver.

Mr. Khamchinpau @ K. Zou

According to sources, army personnel stationed in Muallum village had been coercing Mr. Soson, a driver of the Zehova Zire bus that travels between Lamka and Singngat, to withdraw money using their ATM cards. Mr. Soson then handed over the ATM cards to Mr. Chinjapau for the withdrawals.

Mr. Zou has expressed his intention to pursue legal action if the Gorkha Rifles do not issue a public apology within two days. “I have filed a complaint with Brigadier Canhen, commanding officer of the Gorkha Rifles, demanding a public apology. If they fail to comply, I will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the atrocities committed by the army in Northeast India in the Supreme Court,” he stated.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

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