Kohima: The Assam Rifles has issued a statement in response to a recent incident involving one of its soldiers and the President of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), describing the event as “unfortunate” and assuring the public that an investigation is underway. The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, near the Assam Rifles camp in Kohima, leading to heightened tensions in the area.
According to preliminary investigations by the Assam Rifles, the incident began when a soldier, while on sentry duty, noticed a car parked near the camp in a restricted area. The sentry, unaware of the driver’s identity, approached the vehicle due to heightened security measures ahead of Independence Day. An argument reportedly ensued between the soldier and the ASU President regarding the vehicle’s parking.
The situation escalated when, according to ASU General Secretary Vimeyiekho Vitso, the soldier allegedly threatened to puncture the ASU President’s car tire. When the ASU President attempted to reason with the soldier, he was reportedly assaulted—grabbed by the shirt, punched near the mouth, and threatened with the butt of the soldier’s rifle.
In response to the incident, the ASU announced an indefinite bandh on the movement of Assam Rifles personnel in Angami-inhabited areas. This decision was made public in a statement read out in the presence of Major General Manish Kumar, IGAR North, who intervened during a gathering of tribal and student leaders outside the Assam Rifles camp.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Kumar expressed his regret over the incident, stating, “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 has happened.” He urged the community not to let this single incident overshadow the positive contributions the Assam Rifles has made, and emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with the local population.
The ASU’s announcement of an immediate shutter down and indefinite bandh initially caused confusion among the general public, leading to the closure of shops and businesses across the city. However, Vitso later clarified that the bandh was solely aimed at restricting the movement of Assam Rifles personnel and was not intended to target the business community. He expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the public.
The indefinite bandh will remain in force until the issue is resolved. Meanwhile, Assam Rifles has assured the people of Kohima that the incident is being taken seriously and that they are actively engaging with the Civil Administration, Angami Public Organisation (APO), Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), and the ASU to address the matter.
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