Police chief defends IRB jawans

Police chief defends IRB jawans

Kohima, Oct. 31: Chhattisgarh director general of police (DGP) O.P. Rathor has dismissed reports of atrocities allegedly committed by Naga India Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawans in the Bastar area.

In a letter to the Nagaland DGP, Rathor said there was absolutely no basis for the allegations, as the rule of law is strictly followed in Chhattisgarh.

Rathor was reacting to allegations by certain NGOs who have reportedly accused Naga jawans of committing various atrocities such as rape, murder and other human rights violations. The DGP said in every operation the special police officers (SPOs) accompany security forces. “These SPOs would never permit such atrocities against their own people,” he added.

He said there are no complaints against the jawans and the people are happy with the Naga IRB’s presence. The jawans have even launched several public welfare camps under ‘Operation Medico-admn-Police’, which is a popular public grievance redressal scheme. They have also contributed medicines, clothes and food to the Salwa Judum relief camps.

Rathor also lauded the “toughness” of the Naga IRB in combating Naxalites and Maoists in the Bastar region.

and charged the Maoists and Naxalites with trying to malign the jawans as part of their usual tactics.

He urged the Naga people not to be misled by such reports. The Chhattisgarh government has also invited journalists from Nagaland to the region to evaluate the situation. The Nagaland government has instituted an inquiry into the alleged atrocities by the jawans.



http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061101/asp/northeast/story_6943882.asp