The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) condemned the physical assault to the President of Angami Students’ Union on August 9 by the Assam Rifles personnel.
“Such treatment by the armed forces to a Student leader in broad day light and that too in the heart of the Capital is unthinkable. The Angami Women Organisation vehemently condemned this disrespectful act commited by the personnel of Assam Rifles to one of our sons, an upcoming and a promising student leader. This kind of arrogant and crude behavior cannot be tolerated in a civilized society,” stated the AWO.
It urged the competent authority to deliver justice to the prospective student leader without delay.
The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has strongly condemned the brutality inflicted upon the President of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), Khriesamhelle David Mere, by personnel from the 13th Assam Rifles.
It has come to our attention that this incident occurred on the 9th August, 2024, while the President of the ASU was passing near the Assam Rifles camp at Block D, Kohima. During his travel, he was stopped midway, harassed, and physically assaulted by personnel from the 13th Assam Rifles. “Such undignified treatment of our student leader is viewed as a provocation to the entire Naga populace across the length and breadth of the Naga homeland. Given the bitter history of brutality associated with the Assam Rifles in the Naga homeland, it is unfortunately, not surprising to learn of this tragic incident. However, we are deeply anguished to observe that even after such a prolonged existence as an institution, the Assam Rifles has not shed its beastly traits, let alone learned a lesson or two from the past. This high-handed incident has once again reminded the Naga public of the existing non-cooperation stance against the Assam Rifles, as adopted by the Naga Students’ Federation.
In the interest of both the Naga public and the Assam Rifles, and more importantly, in the pursuit of justice, the Saklong expressed hope that the relevant authorities within the institution will conduct an impartial and thorough inquiry and ensure that the concerned jawans involved in this brutal incident are appropriately punished. The Saklong will not tolerate such atrocities towards our people, stated the TKS.
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In another condemnation note, the Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) has expressed shock over the incident. “This incident is absolutely maddening and unacceptable, particularly given the respected role of the Assam Rifles in maintaining security and order in the region. Assaulting a student leader without any justification is an egregious violation of the basic principles of respect, discipline, and professionalism that the Assam Rifles is expected to uphold,” stated the Union adding that such action severely undermined the trust between the student community and the security forces.
The PSU reaffirmed Its longstanding call for the immediate abrogation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) within the Naga homeland. “The Act perpetuates a shield of impunity for reprehensible actions, fundamentally contravening principles of justice and human dignity. AFSPA is antithetical to the values of a democratic society and must be rescinded to safeguard the rights and dignity of the Naga people,” stated the PSU.
It demanded an expeditious and impartial inquiry into theincident, coupled with the imposition of stringent disciplinary measures upon those found culpable.
“The foremost priority must be the protection and security of students, and we urge the Assam Rifles to adopt all requisite measures to forestall the recurrence of such incidents in the future,” added the PSU.
The Union further expressed its solidarity with the Angami Students’ Union as they confront their current challenges.
“In this period of adversity, we stand firmly united with our counterparts, recognizing the strength and resilience required to overcome these obstacles and affirming our commitment to stand by them every step of the way,” expressed the PSU.
