Mokokchung, 10 September (MTNews): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly condemned the alleged brutal assault on the former President of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Wanglar Thirthung, allegedly by personnel from the 26 Assam Rifles on 7 September in Bijoypur, Kakching district of Manipur.
In a statement issued by the NSF on Saturday, it stated, “The incident occurred at 7:30 pm when the victim was returning home from Imphal after work. He was first stopped by Manipur police commandos and allowed to pass after routine frisking. However, a few meters away, he was once again halted by Assam Rifles personnel, who, without provocation, subjected him to a severe and unwarranted assault.”
The NSF said it views this unprovoked attack as a direct threat to the former ANSAM President’s life and expressed serious concern regarding the motives behind the Assam Rifles’ operation at the checkpoint. It also questions the Assam Rifles’ commitment to the safety and well-being of citizens, especially in the hill areas, as they claim to be “friends of the hill people.”
The federation stated that it firmly believes that this incident was not an isolated one but potentially part of a hidden policy aimed at escalating the already volatile situation in Manipur by targeting innocent Nagas. This deliberate act of violence is deeply troubling and requires immediate attention from the authorities, it said.
The NSF called upon the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly in the sensitive regions of Manipur.