A molestation case has been filed against personnel of Assam Rifles for allegedly molesting a woman near a border village in Champhai district, a police officer said.
Champhai district Superintendent of Police (SP) Rex Zarzoliana Vanchhawng said that sexual harassment case has been registered at Champhai police station against personnel of Assam Rifles, who were guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.
“We have summoned the Assam Rifles personnel to give their statements. The investigation into the alleged sexual harassment is on,” he said.
However, a YMA leader said that two women belonging to Sesih village in east Mizoram’s Champhai district bordering Myanmar were allegedly molested by personnel of Assam Rifles.
The incident occurred on August 15 when the women were returning to their village from agricultural fields after work, he said.
Assam Rifles denied the allegation and said that they did not receive any report of such incident and that complaint be lodged with the head of the force so that the accused is booked.
Meanwhile, the CYMA on Monday wrote to 23 sector Assam Rifles commander demanding him an apology from the paramilitary force over the alleged sexual harassment and the recent incident at Vairengte where personnel of Assam Rifles had barged into the state by allegedly defying entry and safety protocols laid down by the state government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“While the people of Mizoram are working very hard with collective efforts and making many sacrifices to cement the government’s efforts in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is most unfortunate that on the August 18 around 3:30 pm, fifteen armed personnel of the 46 Assam Rifles ignored and violated the safety protocols and refused to undergo mandatory screening at the inter-state border at Vairengte,” the letter signed by CYMA general secretary Prof. Lalnuntluanga said.
The CYMA considered the arrogant act of the part of Assam Rifles personnel as an insult to the peace-loving Mizo society, the letter said.
The letter also alleged that personnel of Assam Rifles had harassed and sexually molested two women while they were returning from their jhum lands near Sesih village in Champhai district on August 15.
“As the incidents have hurt the sentiment of the people of Mizoram and for these acts of omission and commission, the CYMA demands the Assam Rifles to tender an apology to the people of Mizoram on or before August 31 failing which the association will take necessary steps for the same,” the letter said.
Earlier, Assam Rifles refuted the allegation and accused the Mizoram government of violating the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) direction in restricting entry to security personnel into the state.
The paramilitary force had also said that they told the officials and policemen on duty at Vairengte check gate to take Rapid Antigen Test of the personnel.