The locals alleged they were frequently harassed by the personnel during the transportation of timber meant for house construction.However, the Assam Rifles denied the charges.”On 11th January, Assam Rifles personnel manning the post at Hongbei inspected a vehicle and discerned that the vehicle loaded with timber did not have mandated documents. Following procedures, Assam Rifles personnel stopped the vehicle,” the paramilitary force stated.It alleged that “nefarious elements” had instigated the locals to force the personnel to release the vehicle. The statement added that the crowd turned violent, but the Assam Rifles personnel used an “appropriate and calibrated response.”The personnel reportedly used tear gas shells and fired into the air but were unable to disperse the crowd.On Sunday, the Southern Tangkhul Naga Union “advised” Naga village authorities, women’s unions, and youth organisations not to allow Assam Rifles personnel to pass through their jurisdictions.
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