UKHRUL: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), and the Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) of Nagaland have strongly condemned the recent physical assault, harassment, and extortion of two innocent Rengma Naga civilians from Nagaland, allegedly by suspected armed Kuki militants.
According to press statements issued by both organizations, the incident occurred during the night of March 22 and the early hours of March 23, between Keithelmanbi and Sapermeina in the Kangpokpi District, Manipur. The victims were reportedly en route to Imphal to conduct small-scale business transactions involving livelihood products.
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The ANSAM, condemning the incident, stated that such unfortunate incidents have repeatedly occurred on the National Highway between Kangpokpi and Motbung areas. “Such repeated unlawful acts of violence, intimidation, and unlawful extortion along the National Highway in and around Kangpokpi and Motbung areas are highly unacceptable and stand in complete violation of human rights, the rule of law, and civil society norms,” ANSAM stated, adding that the repeated ‘barbaric acts’ have become habitual due to the negligence of the government law enforcing agencies despite repeated appeals.
“Our victimized Naga brothers were on their business through honest means, while they were unlawfully intercepted, subjected to intimidation, illegal confinement, and physical assault by unidentified, aforementioned suspected miscreants. They were further coerced into complying with unlawful demands and subsequently deprived of their belongings through force and fear,” ANSAM stated. The student body alleged that the victims were physically assaulted and their phones were snatched in the incident. Also, it added that the cowardly actions reflect the disturbing breakdown of law and order in and around Kangpokpi and Motbung areas.
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ANSAM has urged the Manipur government to initiate an investigation and deliver swift justice to the victims and also take up effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all civilians travelling along the National Highway, especially in the aforementioned areas. It has also expressed its unwavering solidarity with their Naga victim brothers, the Rengma Students’ Union, and Nagas of Nagaland in protecting their rights, safety, and well-being.
The Rengma Students’ Union, condemning the incident, stated, “The victims were forcibly taken to an undisclosed location, subjected to intimidation, illegal detention, and physical assault, and coerced into paying an exorbitant sum,” it said, adding that despite their repeated pleas, the perpetrators continually harassed, physically assaulted, and robbed them of their cash and a mobile phone.
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Unequivocally condemning the act, the union stated that the incident not only endangers the safety and dignity of their members but also threatens the livelihood of many hardworking youths who depend on trade for survival. Also, it has demanded immediate identification and arrest of the culprits involved in the ‘heinous act’ while imploring assurance of safety and security for all civilians, particularly traders and daily wage earners, plying along the said route.
Additionally, standing in firm solidarity with the victims, the Rengma Students’ Union cautions that failure on the part of the authorities to take prompt and decisive action will compel it to initiate necessary measures to safeguard the rights and security of its members.