Senapati: The Mao Students’ Union has strongly condemned the alleged physical assault of a 36-year-old Loli Kaihrii, Games and Sports Secretary of the Kalinamei Youth and Students’ Organisation and Auditor of the Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, by personnel of the 16 Assam Rifles Battalion, Mao Post.
According to MSU, eyewitness accounts reported that the 16 Assam Rifles grabbed him by the neck while some kicked him from behind. He was later slapped and struck with a rifle butt by one Major Anish, who also reportedly fired three shots into the air, causing panic among the crowd.
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As per MSU condemnation note issued on Monday evening, Major Anish even threatened Kaihrii using the words “I’ll kill you” and fired three shots Infront of the crowd. This led to panic in the crowd who, MSU says want an amicable solution.
The Union demands that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice, stressing that such actions by those who call themselves “Friends of the Hill People” are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
The Mao Students’ Union calls on the authorities to take strict measures to prevent future incidents and to uphold the dignity and rights of all citizens.
Similarly, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) while condemning the Assam Rifles in what it terms Monday incident as an unruly, barbaric and uncivilised act committed toward a Naga citizen, accused the AR of assaulting a local youth leader at 3 pm at Mao. ANSAM pointed out that Monday’s incident was not the first time such crime are committed towards the Nagas.
The ANSAM leader accused the 16 Assam Rifles Battalion, Mao Post that the latter did not reciprocate for a peaceful dialogue despite their attempt to discuss and resolve the matter amicably. “We have been requesting the central government to repeal the AFSPA from Naga homeland,” the ANSAM leader asserted.
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