Probe into Army officer's conduct begins in Manipur

Imphal, Jul 20: The Army has instituted an enquiry into the conduct of Post Commander of the 7 Assam Rifles(AR) posted at Sagang, Major Thakar.

Official sources here today said that Major Thakar allegedly humiliated State Health Minister Ph Parijat on July 18 at Sagang of Bishenpur district.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said he was unhappy and concerned with the way the Army officer humiliated Mr Ph Parijat.

The minister was travelling with the escort with the beacon light and the national flag when the Army officer, dressed casually, allegedly stopped the vehicle and forced the minister out of the car and humiliated him.

''Such acts of the Army forces the people to demand repeal of the AFSPA,'' former chief minister Radhabinod Koijam said.

He added that he had discussed the matter with Mr Ibobi Singh and Mr Haokip.

''What is the business of a company commander to the interfere in the activities of a cabinet minister? If a cabinet minister is treated in this way, what will be the fate of the MLAs and the common people?'' Mr Koijam said.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held yesterday in this regard by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and attended by the Council of Ministers along with the Chief Secretary and DGP of Manipur and the IG(AR).

It was decided in the meeting that investigation would be initiated against the concerned officer and action would be taken very soon.

Meanwhile, the AISF and other organisations have condemned the act of the officer.

UNI