The army has ordered a court of inquiry into an allegation that a soldier beat up street children, a defence spokesman said on Thursday.

Local dailies have reported that a couple of street children were beaten by a soldier who was on patrol duty near Lady Keane college on December 24.

"In a prompt action, the army has ordered a court of inquiry to ascertain the facts. The guards have been replaced forthwith," the spokesman said.

Stating that the army had taken a very serious view of the incident, the spokesman said personnel found guilty would be severely punished.

According to media reports quoting an eyewitness, a soldier named Morbona had assaulted the children while they were taking a bath at a spring near the college.

He beat up Donborlang Kharbuli and Ami Sharma with a stick and also stamped the former with his boots.

The report evoked protests from the NGOs and political circles demanded immediate action against the concerned personnel.