Imphal: Attacks towards non-warring Naga tribals in Manipur are escalating alarmingly at the time when 3 Tangkhul youths were allegedly beaten by unidentified Meitei armed miscreants at Sawombung Imphal in the crisis-hit state just few days ago.
In yet another disturbing incident, two young Rongmei Naga girls were reportedly assaulted physically by unidentified miscreants in Bishnupur district on December 8.
Must read | 3 Tangkhul allegedly beaten by unidentified Meitei armed miscreants at Sawombung Imphal
In a recorded video posted on Facebook, the victims are seen narrating the horrendous ordeal which they underwent while on their way home.
According to the victims’ video statement, the incident happened on December 8 when the two Rongmei women, a resident of Thingpui (Laimanai) village, were returning home from Loyala School in Bishnupur. They were suddenly intercepted by Meitei volunteers at Shantipur village under Loktak Project police station. They were handed over to womenfolks of Ningthoukhong for verification of identity and subsequently the Meira Paibis arranged a transportation at their workplace Loyola School after they identified them as Rongmei Naga.
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However, as per the victims’ recorded video statement, instead of taking them to their destination, the two innocent Naga women were taken to a community hall at Bishnupur bazaar and were beaten by the locals for no justifiable reason known. Later, the victims were rescued by the Father (priest) of Loyola School but by then, the victims had already undergone the beating.
Meanwhile, as per sources, Rongmei Women Organisation have invited the Meira Paibis for a meeting in regard to the assaulted case of two innocent girls from their community at Chuangphun village in Bishnupur district on Monday.
At the time of filing this report, the CSOs of the Naga community are undergoing a meeting with regard to the incident.
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In another such news, on Monday, all taxi services under Taxi Owners Association Tamenglong (TOAT) were halted as a sign of condemnation after one of its members was reportedly beaten with an iron rod by some Meitei miscreants at Khumbong in Imphal West. The member of the taxi association is identified as KC Chingkhiukhuanang, s/o (L) Rouponang Gangmei.
According to a TOAT statement issued on Sunday, the incident occurred at around 11:30 am on Sunday when a taxi driver from Tamenglong district was assaulted by some individuals belonging to Meitei community due to the matter of money collection from a passenger vehicle.
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While strongly condemning the incident, the TOAT resolved to take up appropriate action.
With similar cases of Tamenglong denizens harassed, the Taxi Owners Association Tamenglong warned, “We appeal not to cause such problems and inconveniences to the general passengers and vehicles of Tamenglong in the further.”
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It may be noted that such incidents or ill-treatment towards the Nagas reported in crisis hit Manipur in nothing new. On May 24, four women from Ukhrul district were thrashed by mob in Imphal while on their way to airport.
Must read | One of the 4 Tangkhul victims narrates May 24 ordeal along Imphal’s Kwakeithel Airport road
On 24 May 2023 at Kwakeithel near Asian Hospital, Imphal, 4 Tangkhul women were beaten and harassed on their way to Airport. The matter was solved mutually as per the Tangkhul customary law.
Similarly, on July 15, one woman belonging to Maring Naga community was shot dead near the foothills of Keibi Heikak Mapal village in Imphal East district and the matter was also solved as per the Maring customary law.
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On December 3, another three Tangkhul youths were beaten blue and black by some unknown armed men at Sawombung in Imphal East. Condemning the brutal act, the Tangkhul frontal organisations served a 48 hours ultimatum to nab the culprits. However, no substantial action has been taken so far by the authority despite the end of deadline.
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