AR accused of assaulting ASU President, IGAR asked to take action within 48 hrs

August 10, 2024 5 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 10

The President of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) was reportedly assaulted by a jawan of the Assam Rifles in Kohima today. The incident had occurred around 12:30 pm in the afternoon along the road passing the Assam Rifles camp at D Block colony below DC office, Kohima.

The ASU, in a press release, said that the ASU President was assaulted within the Assam Rifles camp without provocation, leading to public unrest in the area.

ASU officials, who rushed to the scene, confirmed that the President had been struck in the face and intimidated with a rifle butt.

“To our utter shock and dismay, the jawans initially denied any manhandling,” stated the ASU in their press release. This denial led to a scuffle between the two parties, escalating tensions and causing unrest among the local populace.

In an effort to prevent further violence and ensure public safety, the ASU called for an immediate shutdown of local businesses. “We sincerely regret any inconveniences caused to the business community and the public at large during this safety measure period,” the ASU expressed in their statement.

The ASU has given IGAR North a 48-hour deadline to identify and take appropriate action against the jawan responsible, demanding that “unconditional apology must be tendered in the public domain.” Additionally, the ASU has called for the Assam Rifles to refrain from moving through Angami-inhabited areas to avoid further incidents. The ASU clarified that the bandh would only restrict the movement of Assam Rifles and would not affect other activities.

In their press release, the ASU also called on the Government of India to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958, asserting that the act continues to “torture and harass the common people.” The union cautioned that they would “not hesitate to resort to any democratic protest/action plans” if their demands are not met.

The 13 Assam Rifles has not responded to the incident till the filing of this report, despite several attempts to reach them through telephone.

Orgs stand in solidarity with ASU
Meanwhile, the NSF, AKM, AWO and ANCSU have condemned the reported assault.

In a statement, the NSF said, “This incident is not just an attack on an individual, but a direct assault on the entire Naga student community and the values we uphold,” the NSF statement read. The Federation made it clear that such acts of intimidation and violence, especially by those tasked with ensuring civilian security, would not be tolerated.

The NSF also reiterated its demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland.

Further, the NSF called on all its federating units and subordinate bodies to adhere strictly to the ongoing Non-Cooperation movement against the armed forces. It also called for immediate removal of the Assam Rifles camp at D Block, Kohima.

According to the NSF, the camp’s location in the heart of the town has caused significant inconvenience to the public, including traffic congestion, and has now become a source of harassment and danger to community leaders.

The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) and the Angami Women Organisation (AWO) have also condemned the physical assault.
The AKM expressed full solidarity with the ASU and supports their call for a shutdown and indefinite bandh in all Angami-inhabited areas beginning August 10. The organization demanded immediate action against those responsible and called on the Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces to respect democratic rights and avoid escalating tensions. They also urged the state government and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of student leaders throughout Nagaland.

Similarly, the AWO has voiced strong disapproval of the assault, describing it as an unthinkable act of disrespect toward a promising student leader. They demanded swift justice for the victim and emphasize that such behavior is intolerable in a civilized society.

The All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) said that “this act of heinous violence is unacceptable for a civilized society and is not only reprehensible but also an unwarranted attack that stands in stark opposition to the values of respect, unity, and constructive dialogue that our Naga society holds.”

It also appealed the authority concerned for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1985 from the public areas and state of Nagaland immediately.