Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday condemned the brutal assault on Loli Kaihrii, a respected member of the Kalinamei Village community in Manipur, by a major and jawans from the 16 Assam Rifles Battalion, Mao Post.
The incident reportedly took place on the evening of September 2.
According to the NSF, Kaihrii, who serves as the Games and Sports Secretary of the Kalinamei Youth and Students’ Organisation and as the Auditor of the Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, was reportedly subjected to an unprovoked attack that has left the Naga community deeply aggrieved.
The NSF said that as per its ground reports, Kaihrii was grabbed by the neck and kicked from behind by members of the Assam Rifles.
“As if this was not enough, Major Anish, who was in command, further escalated the situation by slapping Kaihrii, butting his face with a rifle, and threatening his life with the chilling words, ‘I’ll kill you.’ The Major then fired three shots into the air, causing panic among the crowd who were present in hopes of finding an amicable resolution,” a statement issued by NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung said.
The NSF has expressed its deep outrage over this incident, viewing it as part of a troubling pattern of abuse and intimidation faced by the Naga people under the guise of law and order. “The 16 Assam Rifles, who claim to be ‘Friends of the Hill People,’ have once again betrayed the trust of the Naga community,” the NSF stated.
The Federation has demanded immediate and decisive action against the personnel involved in what it described as a heinous act.
“Such behavior is not only unacceptable but also a gross violation of the basic rights of our people. We also reiterate our call for the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland, a draconian law that has perpetuated violence and oppression in our region for far too long,” the student body said.
The NSF reaffirmed its stand on non-cooperation with the armed forces, a stance that it said, must be upheld by all federating units and subordinate bodies of the Federation.
“We will not stand idly by as the dignity and safety of our people are trampled upon,” the NSF said.
In solidarity, the federation assured to continue pursuing justice for Kaihrii and ensure that those responsible for the assault are held accountable.
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