Ukhrul: The Assam Rifles, over the indefinite bandh — restricting movements of the Assam Rifles in the Angami-inhabited areas — following a physical assault on the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) President, has issued a clarification on Sunday.
The ASU had announced an indefinite bandh in all Angami-inhabited areas starting August 10, 2024, following the physical assault on the ASU President near the Assam Rifles camp in Kohima. The incident occurred on August 9, involving personnel from the 13th Assam Rifles, who allegedly assaulted and attempted to strike the President with a rifle butt. ASU had urged paramilitary forces to avoid Angami areas and remain within their camps. The union sought public cooperation for the bandh.
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Responding to the bandh, the Assam Rifles said that “The incident involving a soldier of Assam Rifles and the President of the Angami Students’ Union on 09 August 2024 in Kohima is indeed unfortunate.”
According to preliminary investigations, the Assam Rifles said that “the soldier, while on sentry duty, noticed a car parked on the road in close proximity to the Assam Rifles Camp. Given the heightened security ahead of the Independence Day, the sentry who was oblivious to the identity of the driver, approached the vehicle.”
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“Subsequently an argument ensued between the soldier and the President of the Angami Students’ Union regarding the vehicle’s parking in a restricted area,” maintained the Assam Rifles.
Assuring the people of Kohima that the “regrettable incident” has been taken cognizance, the Assam Rifles said it has already initiated an investigation into the incident on its part.
Assam Rifles also said that it is actively engaging with the Civil Administration, APO – Angami Public Organization (APO), Angami Youth Organization (AYO), Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on this issue.
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