Assam Rifles files defamation case against Manipur politician, notice sent

A notice has been issued by the Assam Rifles against a politician from Manipur. In fact, the Assam Rifles has sent a legal notice against a politician from Manipur for damaging the organization's reputation and demoralizing the Central Armed Police Force.

The notice was served on August 18 to Maheshwar Thounaojam, national secretary of the Republican Party of India (RPI-Athawale), by a Shillong-based lawyer.

The notice states that the country's oldest paramilitary force is serving the nation and playing a vital role in ensuring peace, security, and development in various regions including Manipur. The notice said, "It is also pertinent to mention that though the State of Manipur is not a notified area under the AFSPA [Armed Forces Special Powers Act].

Thounaojam said that he would not apologize and that he was entitled to freedom of expression in a democratic country like India. He said, "I didn't make any statement, I asked a question. I didn't speak as a politician but as a meitei."

He said, “Every Meitei here knows how some officers of Assam Rifles dance and sing along with Kuki militants, there is also video to prove it. I was repeating something which all Meiteis here know before know from."

Assam Rifles has tendered a written and public apology for the false allegation and defamation. Also asked him to withdraw the statement made on June 30 in Delhi in mourning for the Meitei martyrs. The notice said that in the meeting Thounaojam had said, "The villagers also informed that the Assam Rifles is helping the Kuki militants to burn down the Village Defense Force."