Assam Rifles, the Central paramilitary force  has served a legal notice against the national secretary of Republican Party of India (Athawale) Thounaojam Maheshwar for defaming the force in Manipur during a recent public meeting. 

According to the legal notice, Maheshwar on June 30 during a condolence ceremony/meeting called, 'Condolence of Meitei Martyrs’ in Delhi on June 30, made defamatory statements, false allegations on the Assam Rifles. 

It said,“The villagers also reported that the Assam Rifles has been helping the Kuki militants in order to burn down the village defense force. That means the Assam Rifles has to be removed immediately from Manipur.”

The Assam Rifles in its legal notice dated August 18, sought an apology both in written and public within 15 days and also directed to pay Rs. 5,100 to the Assam Rifles towards the cost of the instant legal notice, reported the Ukhrul Times.

The notice also said that Assam Rifles has been diligently serving the nation, playing a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and development in various regions, including Manipur.

The notice stated that, "although Manipur is not a notified area under AFSPA [Armed Force Special Powers Act], the competent Magistrate had specifically issued requisitions dated May 3 and May 5, for the armed forces to be deployed there for aiding in maintenance of law and order."

Mr. Thounaojam however told The Hindu that he will not apologise and he was entitled to free speech in a democratic country like India.

“I did not make a statement, it was a question that I asked. I did not speak as a politician, but as a Meitei. Every Meitei here knows how some Assam Rifles officials dance and sing with Kuki militants, there are videos to prove this. I was merely reiterating something which is known to all Meitei people here,” Mr. Thounaojam said.

“Is Assam Rifles playing a major role in the violence that has continued for more than two months now? They have to be removed immediately because Kuki militants cannot alone unleash violence at such a large scale. They are getting support from foreign militants and one of our agencies here. Villagers have recorded this,” the legal notice quoting his statement said.

The Meitei community in Manipur have been constantly alleging Assam Rifles of being partnered with the Kuki community and have alleged them of being biased. 

The Meitei have also been demanding the removal of the Assam Rifles from the violence hit state of Manipur.