Mokokchung, August 26 (MTNews): Even as condemnations continued to pour in and protest rallies were held across Eastern Nagaland, officials of Ao Senden and Langpangkong Tzükong Mungdang on Friday in a show of solidarity visited Anaki C village and met the parents and relatives of Lt. Hanveih Phom, the victim who lost his life allegedly under Assam police custody.
After meeting the victim’s family and offering their condolences, the Ao Senden and Langpangkong Tzükong Mungdang officials also met the Anaki C Village Council.
Meanwhile, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu, leader of NPF Legislature Party & Co-Chairman of UDA Government has condemned the alleged custodial death of Henveih Phom in Assam’s Sivasagar district on August 21. Azo also appealed to the Assam Government to immediately set up a ‘Special Investigation Team’ and probe the case with utmost seriousness without any bias and deliver justice to the victim’s family at the earliest possible time.
Through a press note, Azo said that Phom was arrested by the Assam police on August 16 at Anaki C village jurisdiction under Nagaland while on his way to Gelekey, Assam and was lodged into Sivasagar district jail.
“It was learnt that the deceased was physically tortured by the police personnel while he was under their custody and said to have succumbed to the injuries after five days of his arrest,” he noted.
While questioning the Assam Government, particularly the law enforcing agencies, Azo said, “when our own neighbour is not safe in the hands of our own security personnel then it will break the trust of brotherhood between the two peace loving states.” He also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Pangnyu Phom calls for appropriate and strict action
Meanwhile, Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom has also called upon the “authority concerned to take appropriate and strict action against the perpetrators.”
“My thoughts are with my people in this hour of pain and join in condemning the heinous act committed by the Assam Police at Sivasagar District, Assam where an innocent soul of Mr. Henveih Phom was lost due to irresponsible & senseless act of law enforcing agency of Sivasagar Dist after his arrest on 16th August,” Pangnyu tweeted. He has also offered his condolences to the bereaved family.
Phom Union Kohima condemns
The Phom Union Kohima has condemned the “inhuman act of Assam Police for the custodial death” of Henveih Phom of Anaki C Village, Mokokchung district.
The union called the act “disturbing” as the torture and brutality inflicted on the person leading to his death was committed by none other than the law keepers themselves. The union pointed out that the crime was an “absolute violation of the fundamental rights” enshrined in the Constitution of India and abuse of human rights.
The union appealed to the competent authority to take legal action against the culprits and deliver justice at the earliest.