Security forces assault Nagas in Manipur
Dimapur, May 25 (MExN): Naga villagers who were returning home after attending a candle light peace rally at Senapati Bazar were “brutally assaulted by the IRBs” posted at Taphou. All the IRBs were in an inebriated state and demanded money from those returning. The first group of Nagas who were assaulted were from Ningthoupham village. They were asked whether they all belong to Naga community. On answering in the affirmative they were repeatedly assaulted. Among them P.Y Joseph, son of P.Y. Sakpa, 25 years of age and Y. K. Regent, age 41, son of Y.K. Shangba were seriously injured. Y. K. Regent was assaulted on the ground that he is unmarried despite his age, informed a press note jointly issued by General Secretary of Naga Women Union Manipur, General Secretary, K. Marigold and Convenor of Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Phamhring Sengul.
The note also stated that four villagers of Tumuyon Khullen village were also halted and harassed telling them that they are NSCN cadres. Suingam son of late Pangniba was taken to a secluded place and made to strip. Their vehicle was detained and they were told it will not be returned back unless the mobile phone of their officer supposedly snatched earlier by people of the area was returned.
Another two persons namely, Ng. Alisha age 34, son of late. Sumbo and Williambo age 36, son of late Difulung both from Thonglang Akutpa village were also thrashed with rifle butts and barrel. They were assaulted for not changing their Assam registered Vehicle Number to that of Manipur. An amount of Rs.110, one cigarette pack and one match box were forcibly taken from them.
“The Naga Women Union Manipur and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights condemn the continuous assault on the rights of Nagas by the Manipur security forces deployed in Senapati District. The incident just goes to prove that the Government of Manipur has given free license to its security forces to violate and suppress the rights of the Nagas and other hill people. We, therefore, hold the Government of Manipur represented by the Chief Minister and his Cabinet responsible for all the acts of its security forces. We once again demand the removal of Manipur IRBs and Police Commandoes from the hills of Manipur,” the press note stated.