Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has taken up the case of two minor girls from Mizoram who were allegedly gang-raped in Assam’s Cachar district, writing to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and demanding a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation.
The intervention came after Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) President Dr C Lalremruata wrote to AASU seeking its intervention in the case and urging the Assam-based student body to engage with the state government and investigating authorities to ensure that the case proceeds without undue influence.
In its letter to the Assam chief minister, AASU said it was deeply concerned over the reported alleged gang rape and sexual assault of the two minor girls from Mizoram.
AASU acknowledged the Assam Police’s prompt action in arresting the accused and initiating legal proceedings, but said arrest was only the beginning and that every aspect of the incident must be investigated.
“We believe that arrest must be followed by a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation,” AASU said, urging the Assam government to ensure that all persons found responsible are brought to justice.
The student body called for a “watertight” investigation free from undue influence and urged the government to ensure that prosecution is pursued expeditiously before the competent court. It also demanded exemplary punishment for those found guilty, proportionate to the gravity of the crime.
AASU specifically linked its intervention to the appeal made by MZP. In its letter, it said MZP had expressed deep concern over the incident and had approached AASU seeking its intervention.
“As constituent organisations of the North Eastern Students’ Organisation (NESO), AASU and MZP share a common commitment towards the safety, dignity and welfare of the students and people of the North East,” the AASU said.
AASU also urged the Assam government to closely monitor the investigation and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and dignity of students coming from other parts of the Northeast to Assam.
The case involves two minor girls from Mizoram’s Kolasib district who were allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted in Cachar district. Assam Police have arrested three men in connection with the case and initiated legal proceedings under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
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