The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned the “heinous and unprovoked” physical assault on the President of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), Khriesamhalie David Mere, by the jawans of the 13th Assam Rifles on 9th August at approximately 12:30 PM, near the road passing through the Assam Rifles camp at D Block, Kohima.
“The unwarranted and brutal attack on the ASU President, including an attempt to strike him with a rifle butt, is a gross violation of his fundamental rights and an affront to the dignity of the Naga people,” the NSF said in a press release.
The NSF said that this incident was not just an attack on an individual, but a “direct assault on the entire Naga student community and the values we uphold.” The NSF said that it cannot and will not tolerate such blatant acts of intimidation and violence perpetrated by those who are supposed to ensure the security and well-being of the civilians.
Further, NSF reiterated its long-standing demand for the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland, stating that it continues to provide a cover of impunity for such inhumane acts. AFSPA has no place in a democratic society and must be repealed to ensure the protection of the rights and dignity of the Naga people, the NSF said.
Furthermore, the NSF urged all its Federating Units and sub-ordinate bodies to strictly comply with the standing “Non-Cooperation movement” towards the armed forces. “The time has come for a collective and unified stance against the continued militarization of our land and the violations that accompany it,” NSF said.
The NSF also demanded the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles camp at D Block, Kohima. “Its presence in the heart of the town has not only caused immense inconvenience to the public, including traffic congestion, but has now also become a source of harassment and danger to our community leaders,” NSF reasoned.
Stating that it stands in complete solidarity with the Angami Students’ Union and the Naga community at large, the NSF also called upon all right-thinking citizens to join them in this fight for “our rights, dignity, and freedom from oppression.”