The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) and the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) have condemned the alleged physical assault on Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president Khriesamhelle David Mere by Assam Rifles personnel at D Block, Kohima on August 9, 2024.
The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) stated that it vehemently condemns the “reckless act” of the 13th Assam Rifles jawan(s), who allegedly assaulted the President of ASU. ENSF said he was on official duty when the alleged assault occurred. ENSF said that Mere was “not only assaulted physically but was also targeted with rifle butts, demonstrating their detestation towards the civilians of Kohima Town and the Nagas in general.”
“The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation, keeping in mind the bitter history of brutality, violence, and savage treatment meted out to the entire populace of Nagaland, is unfortunately not surprised to learn of this tragic incident,” it said.
ENSF stated that the Indian paramilitary forces enjoy “utmost impunity despite every hue and cry for justice.” It further asserted that this incident has once again “reminded us of a grave violation of Human Rights by the 13th Assam Rifles jawan(s), and such acts of hostility towards a student leader that offend the dignity of any student community shall not be tolerated or endured.”
Additionally, the Federation appealed to the public to “fully cooperate and stand united with the Angami Students’ Union in exercising prerogative actions towards the perpetrators under the relevant sections of the law.” It also called upon the State Government and its law enforcement agencies to take swift measures to safeguard every Naga individual from such exploitation across Nagaland.
The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) expressed concern at the incident involving the 13th Assam Rifle Jawan(s) whose action subjected the ASU president to a “reprehensible assault” and used “unwarranted force against him by the guard on mere stopping of car at the side of public roads while the former was on phone calls.”.
The NLSF pointed out that such action of the “so-called custodians of the law” does not only violate the basic human rights but have also restrained practicing personal liberty in public places.
The Federation said it will continue its support for the natural freedom and personal liberty of the public. NLSF also said it is imperative to that the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be repeal from the state of Nagaland “as this act only continues to torture and harass the common people.”
“The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation in the strongest term condemns the inhuman act committed by Jawan(s) of 13th Assam Rifle upon innocent social leader who was carrying out his official duty,” it said.
NLSF added that it is the duty of every responsible person to avoid phone calls while driving and added that the ASU president acted correctly by pulling the car aside from public roads.
The Federation also extended its full cooperation to the ASU in pursuing action against the jawan(s) involved from the 13th Assam Rifles.