Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Kuki Students’ Organisation (MB), Moreh Youth Club, Kuki Women’s Union & Human Rights Moreh and Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Moreh Block alleged public harassment in the form of getting delayed at this check post is a regular affair
TFM Desk
Getting required medical help could have saved the life of one Khenkhup Lethil of Phaicham veng, Moreh. He was admitted at Moreh Sub-Divisional Hospital under No. 9374 on 29 July, 2022 and was later referred to Imphal the next day on 30 July, 2022. However, the ambulance hurrying him to Imphal for the treatment had its progress hampered after being caught at 20 AR Khudengthabi check post. He breathed his last breath on the way at the check post, claimed a statement issued by civil society groups based in Moreh.
According to a statement issued by Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Kuki Students’ Organisation (MB), Moreh Youth Club, Kuki Women’s Union & Human Rights Moreh and Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Moreh Block, public harassment in the form of getting delayed at this check post is a regular affair.
“Complaints and suggestions have been given to the concerned authority time and again as regards the need to introduce a systematic checking at the check post where in the prevailing condition, vehicles be it commercial, non-commercial or passenger, patients etc are meted equal dealing thereby causing unnecessary delay to travellers. The delay this time has cost the life of a man,” they said.
The civil society organisation maintained that humanity ought to prevail while dealing with people in distress such as patients in need of medical treatment. “Proof of identity of the concerned, medical reference and vehicle documents suffice adequate reason to allow the patient party to proceed peacefully. Intense checking of the vehicle (ambulance) thereby adding tension to the patient lacks the compassion which is required on the part of security personnel in such a situation. In case the vehicle (ambulance) is being suspected or under surveillance, alternative arrangements should have been made to allow the patient to proceed without delay,” it said.
While acknowledging the good work done by the Assam Rifles in their effort to control illegal trade, provide security to civilians etc, the CSOs said they are ready to co-operate whenever the need arises. “However, such frequent uncalled for attitude towards innocent people by security forces will only hamper and is not conducive to building a good relationship,” they added.
The statement further said, “It would be in the fitness of things on the part of Assam Rifles to understand public sentiment, inculcate among its personnel the etiquette while dealing with the public and ensure that such incidence do not occur in future.”
They urged that patients travelling on medical ground be given special consideration and normal travellers be allowed smooth passage without undue delay.