Dimapur: The Konyak Union, Dimapur, has strongly condemned the alleged wrongful arrest of two civilians—Tahngao Konyak, son of the late Yobong of Pukha Village, and Nyemphoa Konyak, son of Menlei Konyak from Neitong Village. The arrests took place on September 27, 2024, at two separate locations: the Dimapur railway station and beneath the railway flyover bridge.
Both individuals, who are prominent members of their respective organizations, were detained by the 43 Assam Rifles on charges of being NSCN cadres. Tahngao serves as an executive member of the Konyak Union, Dimapur, while Nyemphoa holds the position of President of the Neitong Village Students’ Union under Tizit subdivision in Mon district.
In a statement, the Konyak Union criticized the Assam Rifles for branding the two as insurgents. “The 43 Assam Rifles, despite fully knowing that the two are civilians, arrested them by branding them as NSCN cadres, defaming not only the two individuals but also the organizations they serve, just to obtain favorable remarks from their higher authorities at the cost of innocent lives,” the statement read.
The Union further expressed concern over the harm such actions could cause. “This high-handedness by the so-called ‘friends of the hills people’ not only creates mistrust between the people and law enforcement agencies but also instills fear among the hill communities,” the statement warned. It also highlighted the negative impact on the detainees and their families.
The Union urged law enforcement agencies to act with caution and accountability, calling for the proper verification of individuals’ identities before making arrests. “Law enforcement should ensure greater sincerity in their duties and verify identities thoroughly before making any arrests,” the statement added.
Additionally, the Konyak Union called for the immediate release of the detained individuals, asserting that the arrests were made under false pretenses. “We appeal to the legal authorities to kindly release the above-mentioned individuals after verifying the documents provided by the Union, Village Council, and other sources, as they were wrongfully implicated by the 43 Assam Rifles for personal gain,” it said.
Phomching Area Union, Dimapur condemns arrest
In a separate statement, the Phomching Area Union Dimapur (PAUD) condemned the alleged false arrest and detention of its General Secretary, Tahngao Konyak, by the 43 Assam Rifles. According to PAUD, Tahngao Konyak was arrested on the morning of September 27 at Dimapur railway station on suspicion of being a cadre of NSCN-K (YA).
PAUD officials stated that they immediately visited East Police Station, Dimapur, with written clarification and submitted proof that Tahngao Konyak was a civilian actively involved in the Union’s activities. “We provided all necessary evidence proving that Tahngao Konyak is an innocent civilian who is an active official of Phomching Area Union Dimapur and has no connections to underground or illegal activities,” the Union stated.
Despite their intervention, the Union expressed concern that Tahngao Konyak was transferred to Central Jail without proper verification. “We are shocked to learn that our General Secretary, Tahngao Konyak, has been placed in Central Jail like a criminal without any verification or consideration,” PAUD noted.
The Union further alleged that Tahngao Konyak is facing health complications while in detention and warned of possible consequences. “If anything happens to our General Secretary while he is in jail, the Union will be compelled to take action,” the statement read.
PAUD appealed to the judiciary for immediate intervention. “We appeal to the honorable court to review this case promptly and ensure justice is served without further delay,” the Union urged.
As of the time this report was filed, the 43 Assam Rifles had not issued a statement in response to the allegations.
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