Phidim, October 6 :

Local residents here are angry that the army men who misbehaved with local girls and attacked villagers who were protested against the their high-handedness a couple of days ago have still not been brought to book.

Villagers alleged that the army men of the Batuk Dal Battalion attacked them in a planned way when they protested against their misbehaviour.

Though the battalion commander had said action would be taken against the errant army men the delay in doing so is creating suspicion, villagers said.

After the villagers gheraoed the battalion headquarters for three hours demanding action against the guilty army men, acting battalion commander Rajendra Sunuwar gave written assurance that the guilty men would be court-martialled.

Five days have passed but no action has been taken, the villagers grumbled.

A local political actvist Rajesh Subba alleged that the army men had carried with them necessary medicines for primary treatment when they attacked the villagers.

He warned that the people would not let things rest till the army ensures that such acts are are not repeated.

Phidim president of Human Rights and Peace Society, Durga Baral called for stern action against the guilty army men.

Meanwhile, Major of the Batuk Dal Battalion, Rajendra Sunuwar claimed that a probe against the army men involved in the incident is on.