Imphal, July 18 (UNI) The Assam Rifles have assured passengers travelling on the national highways that they will not be harassed and detained for long.

Students have alleged that the Assam Rifles personnel had been detaining people for hours on the national highways in the name of frisking and checking vehicles.

Student leaders from Jiribam had come to Imphal to discuss various issues on the invitation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. However, the students alleged that they were detained for almost two hours and abused by Assam Rifles troops at Nungba at Tamenglong district.

The student leaders refused to discuss their problems, demanding action against the AR personnel.

A PIB (Defence Wing) statement said the team of student leaders were stopped so that their vehicles could be thoroughly checked.

The students were not harassed and the delay was incidental and not intentional, the statement added.

It further stated that troops on national highways have been sensitised not to indulge in any action which could be construed as harassment by travellers, adding that checking was carried out to stop illegal activities.

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