Border trade affected due to bandh at Moreh

Imphal, July 17 (UNI) Moreh, on Manipur-Myanmar border, today remained virtually paralysed in a bandh protesting the alleged assault of civilians and Myanmar citizens by Assam Rifles personnel on July 15 and 16.

After Subedar Tuk Bahadur of the 24 Assam Rifles was gunned by militants on July 13, troops of the 24 Assam Rifles had apprehended five people and assaulted many more.

Assam Rifles troops also forcibly closed down all shops in the border areas thus affecting the Indo-Myanmar trade.

AR troops had allegedly forced men to strip their clothes and beat up women. Meanwhile, Assam rifles sources denied any such charges.

The civil and women bodies of Moreh have called the bandh to protest the AR action. A meeting held at Moreh also demanded that the troops should stop issuing fake arrest memos, and stop harrassing people. Some injured peeple were undergoing treatment at Imphal hospitals.

A media team which went to inquire about the incident were abused yesterday by the AR troops. The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) has also condemned the action of the Assam Rifles and appealed to respect rights of the media.

It further demanded an apology from the guilty AR personnel.

UNI NS BA AK BST1921