TEZPUR, July 1 - In the ongoing confrontation between the Army and civilians following alleged harassment upon the common public passing by the Butchery (Lakhupara) army check gate at Misamari area in Sonitpur district, a case was registered recently at Misamari police station against the sentries engaged in at the gate for allegedly violating human rights.
According to sources from the Misamari PS, on June 28 last at around 3 pm, one Rahman Ali of the area passed through the gate like on other days when he was stopped and asked to show papers related to his vehicle besides his identity card. But despite showing all documents he was allegedly humiliated and rebuked with unwanted and derogatory comments. Embarrassed and feeling humiliated, the victim immediately lodged a complaint at the Misamari PS. A case has been registered against the Army (case No- 108/18 US-294/506 IPC).
It is worth mentioning here that the common people living in and around greater Misamari area have been protesting from time to time against the unwanted harassment upon the common people and even on women who pass along the PWD road that touches the Butchery area located army check gate.
However, though bowing to mounting pressure from various agencies, the Defence Ministry, issued an order to the Misamari Army cantonment to remove the check gate to avoid the alleged harassment on the people and free movement of the people of the area was allowed, but in the last few days, people of the area are facing the same problem.
In this regard, Tezpur MP, RP Sharma who has been vocal on this matter told this correspondent that he has already submitted many representations to the Government of India and it is for the Defence Ministry to address woes of the people caused due to the Army men�s behaviour. �Already there have been a series of discussions regarding the matter with the concerned agencies including the Army, Police and the Sonitpur district administration wherein the army had committed to remove the check gate and promised that there will be no any atrocities in the days to come in the name of security checking in the area. But, it is seen that the Army is breaking its commitment. If this continues, I will again move the Defence Ministry,� the parliamentarian said.
