Violence in Manipur: RAF Refutes Caste-Based Remarks Made During Imphal Protests Over Student Deaths

According to the Manipur Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehemently denied making casteist statements when interacting with protesters over the deaths of two students who had been reported missing since July 6. The explanation came after a viral video surfaced in which a member of the RAF was heard allegedly stating, “It’s not our community, do whatever you want (humara jaati nahi hain, kuch bhi karo),” which sparked massive backlash on social media.

After images of two missing students’ corpses went viral on social media on Tuesday, hundreds of students rushed to the streets. Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20, had vanished on July 6 as ethnic tension in Manipur increased. Since May 3 of this year, the northeastern state has been the scene of several ethnic conflicts.

 

Tuesday evening, the Manipur police posted on ‘X’ (previously Twitter) that “A video is being circulated on WhatsApp groups/Twitter, showing RAF personnel allegedly making casteist remarks while dealing with a violent mob.” The voice heard in the tape, however, is not an RAF employee. To harm the reputation of RAF servicemen, it seems that the video’s creator purposefully recorded casteist slurs in their own voice.

 

The statement went on to say that “the alleged video has been made to disparage and discourage the RAF personnel who are performing their duty with high level of dedication and sincerity.”

 

The police said that RAF soldiers had been stationed throughout the day and night in different areas of Imphal city to maintain law and order. They work on the tenets of using the least amount of force possible and giving the situation a graded response. The country has been unflinchingly served by RAF servicemen, who have also been instrumental in helping Manipur regain law and order.

 

Police used tear gas shells and baton charges at protesters demanding justice for the two youngsters who were slain and reportedly abducted in July, inflicting injuries on 45 pupils, many of whom were females.

 

The administration has reinstated a five-day work week in reaction to the current circumstances.