Kohima: A recent incident involving the President of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) and Assam Rifles (AR) soldier has been resolved following a high-level meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, on August 11.
The coordination meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s official residence, was called to address and resolve the conflict that emerged after the AR soldier assaulted the ASU President on August 9. The meeting included the IGAR (N) Major General Manish Kumar, ASU representatives, besides the Deputy Commissioner, and other officers.
A meeting minutes shared by the ASU revealed that the soldier involved expressed deep regret and offered a formal apology for the incident.
Speaking to journalists, ASU general secretary Vimeyiekho Vitso informed that the ASU agreed to sit with the Assam Rifles for a dialogue on condition that the concerned personnel tender apology for the physical assualt on its president.
He revealed that during the meeting, the responsible AR jawan admitted to the assault and issued an apology. It was also informed that disciplinary action has been initiated against the soldier.
During the meeting, it was also agreed upon that the earlier press statement from the AR has been retracted, considering it “null and void”. He highlighted that while this incident was one of many, the ASU’s intention was to ensure justice was served as it was brought to its notice.
The site of the recent incident, he said, was considered as a high-security zone by the Assam Rifles. He pointed out how the assault of a civilian in a high-security zone is a mockery of the armed forces.
He suggested that if security forces cannot guarantee the safety of citizens within the “high-security zone” and that the presence of the public in the area makes them feel unsafe, they should consider relocating from central areas of the town.
Vitso said that incident has brought to light several similar incidents, adding that it does not stand out as an isolated case. He also added that the road stretch where the incident was reported, does not belong to the AR.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Despite the resolution, Vitso reiterated the ASU’s support to the NSF’s ongoing non-cooperation with the Armed Forces and its opposition to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
As the AR assured them that an internal probe is underway, he said that the ASU would remain alert on the matter.
Also Read | Assam Rifles says incident with Angami Students’ Union ‘unfortunate’