Sangtam student bodies demand probe
An Assam Rifles personnel member identified as Lt Tsalichum from Old Risethsi village, was reportedly found dead under mysterious circumstances inside the premises of Shokhüvi Camp in Chümoukedima district in the early hours of June 6, 2025.
In two separate letters addressed to the Deputy Commissioner and the DIG of Assam Rifles at Shokhüvi, the Amahator Range Students’ Union (ARSU) expressed “deep sorrow and outrage” over the demise of Lt Tsalichum, son of Lt Lichose, who hailed from Old Risethsi village. The student body described the deceased as a “dedicated and disciplined” personnel of the Assam Rifles.
According to the ARSU, Lt Tsalichum was found dead under “mysterious condition of unnatural death” inside the secured premises of Shokhüvi Camp while on active duty at around 12:02 AM on June 6, 2025.
The Union urged the authorities to “trace out the actual reason of his death” and demanded that the matter be “treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
Calling for concrete action, ARSU specifically demanded the constitution of “a special investigation team to ensure transparency, neutrality, and timely results.”
“The sacrifice of a soldier on duty must not go unanswered,” the Union stated, adding that they “stand in solidarity with the bereaved family” and called upon the authorities to ensure that “justice is delivered without delay.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Seyochung Area Students’ Union (SASU) expressed “deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the tragic and brutal killing.”
The Union said, “No matter the circumstance, the taking of a life is an inexcusable and heinous act. Such injustice must not be tolerated or overlooked, as it deeply undermines the very foundation of our collective trust and security.”
SASU further urged the law enforcement authorities “to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay,” calling for “a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation” and demanding that “those responsible face the fullest extent of the law.”
Extending condolences, SASU stated, “We also extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the victim during this time of immense grief. We also extend our full cooperation and support to the Amahator Range Students’ Union (ARSU) in the pursuit of justice.”
USSC demands probe, seeks justice
The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the death of Tsalichum Sangtam, a rifleman in the 12th Assam Rifles, who was reportedly found dead with multiple stab wounds at the AR Composite Hospital in Shokhovi, Nagaland.
In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police, Nagaland, the USSC expressed deep outrage and demanded justice for the young jawaan, a native of Old Risethsi village. Terming the death “horrific and inexplicable,” the student body called the incident an alarming failure of security within a supposedly protected military medical facility.
The USSC has demanded a comprehensive, impartial, and speedy investigation into the incident, urging authorities to examine all possible angles, witnesses, and forensic evidence. It also requested a detailed report of the findings to be submitted to the USSC within a “reasonable and stipulated timeframe.”
Raising serious questions about security lapses, the USSC has called for accountability and immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“Failure to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation in this matter will be met with strong condemnation and appropriate actions from the United Sangtam Students’ Conference and the entire Sangtam community,” the student body warned.
“This is a matter of paramount importance to the Sangtam people and to the broader principles of justice and accountability,” it added.