The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned the “brutal assault” and “unprovoked attack” on former All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) President Wanglar Thirthung allegedly by the personnel of the 26 Assam Rifles at Bijoypur, Kakching district of Manipur.

According to the press release issued by NSF president Medovi Rhi and General Secretary Chumben Khuvung, the incident took place on 7th September 2023 at around 7:30 pm when the Thirthung was returning from Imphal. It stated that he was first stopped by Manipur Police for routine frisking and allowed to go but “a few meters away, he was again halted by Assam Rifles personnel, who, without provocation, subjected him to a severe and unwarranted assault.”

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The Federation expressed concern “regarding the motives of the Assam Rifles’ operation” and alleged that the incident was “potentially part of a hidden policy aimed at escalating the already volatile situation in Manipur by targeting innocent Nagas.”

NSF therefore urged the concern authorities to investigate the matter, hold the responsible accountable and ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Manipur.

Mention may be made that on 6th September, over 40 people, mostly Meitei women, were injured after they tried to breach security barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district.

A day before the protest, a full curfew had been clamped in all the five valley districts of Manipur including Kakching district as a preventive measure, which was then relaxed on 7th September from 5 am to 6 pm for Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts.