Organisations Condemn Assault on ASU President in Kohima.

Organisations Condemn Assault on ASU President in Kohima.

                    In a deeply concerning incident, several organisations have united to condemn the alleged physical assault on the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president by a jawan of the Assam Rifles at D Block, Kohima, on August 9, 2024. The shocking event has sparked widespread outrage, with prominent student bodies and civil society groups demanding justice and the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

NSF's Strong Denouncement

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has vehemently condemned what it described as a “heinous and unprovoked physical assault” on the ASU president. The NSF, in a press release issued by its president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung, denounced the incident as a gross violation of the fundamental rights of the individual and an affront to the dignity of the Naga people. The federation underscored that this was not merely an attack on a single person but a direct assault on the entire Naga student community and the values it upholds.

The NSF further criticised the attempted use of a rifle butt during the assault, emphasising that such brutal acts by those charged with civilian protection are intolerable. The federation reiterated its long-standing demand for the immediate repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland, arguing that the law provides a shield of impunity for such inhumane acts. According to the NSF, AFSPA has no place in a democratic society and must be repealed to safeguard the rights and dignity of the Naga people.

In addition to its calls for legal reform, the NSF has urged all its federating units and subordinate bodies to strictly observe the ongoing non-cooperation movement against the armed forces. The federation also demanded the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles camp at D Block, Kohima, which it claims has become a source of harassment and danger to community leaders. The NSF affirmed its unwavering solidarity with the ASU and the broader Naga community.

AWO’s Outrage

The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) has also expressed grave concern over the physical assault on the ASU president. AWO president Neithono R. Sothu and general secretary Shyien Vihienuo condemned the act, describing it as a disgraceful affront to a promising student leader in broad daylight in the heart of the state capital.

AWO highlighted that such arrogant and crude behaviour is intolerable in a civilised society, stressing that the incident was an unthinkable violation of respect and dignity. The organisation has called for swift justice and urged the competent authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable without delay.

ANCSU's Call for Justice

The All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) echoed these sentiments, with its president Tenyesinlo Bukh and assistant general secretary Kivinoka A Sema condemning the assault as an act of heinous violence that is wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. ANCSU emphasised that the actions of the Assam Rifles jawans were not only reprehensible but also stood in stark opposition to the values of respect, unity, and constructive dialogue that Naga society cherishes.

ANCSU stressed that the assault on the ASU president undermines the fundamental values of free expression and respectful dialogue, which are the bedrock of any democratic society. The union has called on relevant authorities to take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and has reiterated its demand for the repeal of AFSPA in Nagaland.

ANCSU also appealed to all student bodies and organisations to remain united in their commitment to non-violence and mutual respect, standing firmly with the ASU to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

AKM's Stand in Solidarity

The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has also voiced its condemnation of the assault, describing it as a grave violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of student leadership in Nagaland. AKM president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba have expressed full solidarity with the ASU and supported their call for an immediate shutter down and indefinite bandh in all Angami-inhabited areas, starting from August 10, 2024.

AKM has urged the authorities to take swift and decisive action against those responsible, while also calling on the Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces to respect the democratic rights of the people and refrain from activities that could escalate tensions in the region. The conference also called on the state government to ensure the safety and security of student leaders across Nagaland.

DNSU's Demand for Accountability

The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has strongly condemned what it termed a “shocking act of brutality” inflicted upon the ASU president. DNSU president Hinoto P. Aomi and general secretary Michael Kath stated that the incident is a flagrant disregard for human rights and highlights the alarming distrust between security forces and the communities they are meant to protect.

DNSU has called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident, demanding that those responsible be held accountable and face disciplinary action. The union stressed that the Assam Rifles must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and conduct.

CSU and CTSU's United Front

The Chakhroma Students’ Union (CSU) and the Chümoukedima Town Students’ Union (CTSU) have also condemned the actions of the Assam Rifles. CSU president Kezhawelie Richa and general secretary Menokhrielie Chalie expressed their dismay at the “deplorable actions and highhandedness” exhibited by the Assam Rifles, stressing that such behaviour is a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust placed in the armed forces.

CTSU president Zakietuo Shüya and general secretary Zakiemelie Medoze echoed these concerns, stating that the use of physical force against the ASU president, who did not violate any law, is unacceptable. The union emphasised that such actions contradict the very ethos of the Assam Rifles, who are supposed to be “Friends of the Hill People.”

Both unions have called for a prompt and transparent response to the issue, expressing their solidarity with the ASU and demanding justice for its president.

In light of this incident, the call for the repeal of AFSPA and the removal of the Assam Rifles camp from Kohima has grown louder, with the student community and civil society standing united in their demand for justice and respect for human rights.