Kohima: The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has announced a ban on the movement of Assam Rifles (AR) personnel in Angami-inhabited areas following an alleged physical assault on its president by Assam Rifles personnel.
Tensions escalated in Kohima on Friday at around 12:30 PM when the ASU President was attending an urgent phone call near the gate of the Assam Rifles camp, after leaving the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
According to ASU general secretary Vimeyiekho Vitso, the jawan allegedly threatened to puncture the ASU President’s car tire, leading the President to try to reason with him. In response, the jawan reportedly opened the car door, grabbed the ASU President by his shirt—tearing it in the process—and punched him near his mouth. The jawan also allegedly threatened to hit him with the butt of his rifle.
Tribal leaders including the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), besides student leaders from various ranges under the ASU gathered outside the AR camp below the deputy commissioner’s office.
As student leaders demanded that the AR jawan be presented before them, IGAR North Major General Manish Kumar, Sena Medal (Bar), intervened.
“I, as the head of this family, take this responsibility and stand in front of you. We, the Assam Rifles, do not stand for what is happening,” he told the gathering.
The IGAR (N) has urged the community not to let a single incident define their perception of the Assam Rifles, emphasising that this should not overshadow the positive contributions the force has made.
A statement, issued by the ASU, calling for immediate shutter down and indefinite bandh starting August 10, was also read out in the presence of the IGAR (N).
This statement created confusion among the general public as shops and business establishments were forced to close down in the city. Clarifying the statement, Vitso later told reporters that to ensure the safety of the public, a lightning shutter down was initiated fearing that the situation could have escalated.
However, a series of consultations were later held and the ASU clarified that it was never their intention to make the business community the scapegoat. As he mentioned that the bandh on movement only confines to the Assam Rifles, Vitso regretted inconveniences caused to the general public.
The indefinite bandh, which is solely aimed at restricting the movement of Assam Rifles personnel in Angami areas, will continue to be in force till the issue is resolved.
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