The Angami Students Union (ASU) today held a press conference at its office in Kohima informing that the August 9 incident where an Assam Rifles soldier assaulted the ASU President has been amicably solved, crediting the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima and Superintendent of Police, Kohima, who took the lead in mediating the situation. However, the Union asserted that it will continue remains non-cooperative with the Armed Forces, in accordance with the NSF demand. The ASU called on like-minded organizations and individuals to condemn the oppressive law.

Addressing the press conference Vimeyiekho Vitso, General Secretary mentioned that the matter was amicably resolved after the soldier acknowledged the assault and offered an unconditional apology to the student organization.

The ASU had earlier given the Assam Rifles a 48-hour deadline to identify the jawan, provide an apology, and take disciplinary actions against him.

The ASU also met with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Kohima, who took the lead in mediating the situation, on the night of the incident to present their demands.

Before the 48-hour deadline expired, the DC held a coordination meeting at his official residence with the ASU, IGAR North, officers, and the Assam Rifles jawan.

It was reported that the Assam Rifles soldier expressed profound regret and apologized to the President of the Angami Students’ Union for the incident that occurred while he was on duty, acknowledging that he inadvertently hurt both him and the feelings of the Angami Students’ Union.

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The statement added that, following the apology, all clarifications regarding the issue are rendered null and void, leading to an amicable resolution of the matter.

ASU officials stated that the IGAR North has met their demands, which included identifying the AR jawan, offering an unconditional apology, and taking disciplinary action against him. The jawan acknowledged his wrongdoing toward a civilian while on duty and publicly provided an “unconditional apology.”

The student body Informed that it will monitor the implementation of disciplinary action against the AR jawan. If no action is taken, the ASU will pursue measures to ensure accountability for the perpetrator.

Vitso also indicated that the clarification statement issued by the Assam Rifles on Sunday is considered misleading as it failed to address the assault on the President.

“The incident of August 9 is one among the many incidents that has happened to the Nagas,” said the Union, citing instances of warrantless raids and confrontations after being banned from using public roads following the Oting incident. The ASU observed that these actions were not mistakes, but rather deliberate choices by the authorities.

Therefore, they informed and reminded all the people concerned that every citizen or individual residing within their jurisdiction as important as the President of Angami Students Union and even if this kind of incident happened to any other person they would have taken the matter as serious as they are taking this matter today.

The ASU also asserted that the road between their camps belongs to the public and should be given free access.

The student body issued a strong appeal to the paramilitary forces and the army, urging them to cease the harassment and assault of civilians under the guise of AFSPA. They warned that the consequences of such actions would be severe, emphasizing that the ASU would not hesitate to take any measures necessary to protect and uphold the rights of the people.

“The Assam Rifles stated that the area is designated as a high-security zone. However, if civilians and the public are not safe within this zone, then it fails to provide true security,” said Vitso who suggested that the current camps should be relocated and that the Assam Rifles should leave the occupied site in the center of Kohima town.

Despite addressing this specific matter, the ASU announced that it remains non-cooperative with the Armed Forces, in accordance with the NSF demand.

The ASU called on like-minded organizations and individuals to condemn the oppressive law. It also reiterated its demand to the Government of India, asserting that the Nagas and their homeland must be free from this draconian legislation, as it violates fundamental human rights.