Rongmei CSOs condemn
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 04 2016: Many Rongmei civil society organisations have condemned the arrest of two youngsters from Sibilong village on the charge of their alleged involvement of snatching four guns from Manipur Rifles personnel and thew alleged assault on womenfolk who protested the arrest.

Speaking to media persons at Neikalong today, representatives of the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation, Rongmei Students Organisation and the Rongmei Lu Phuam raised a number of demands.

Speaking on behalf of the four civil organisations, Rongmei Lu Phuam president Panti Golmei contended that Kabigai Gangmei (27) s/o Khamgaipou and Namkhaulung Gangmei (29) s/o Gaichamlung who were arrested by troops of 23 AR from Sibilong on August 31 were not related with NSCN-K in any manner.

They were dragged out from their houses and forced to camouflage dresses.

The village authority too identified them as civilians.

Together with police, the AR troops took away the two youth.

Even as womenfolk of the village protested the arrested, they were assaulted by the security forces.

Altogether 12 women were injured in the assault and they were taken to Nungba PHC.

The arrest of the two youth was nothing but arbitrary detention which was often committed by Assam Rifles under the infamous AFSPA, Panti Golmei said.

Notably, suspected NSCN-K cadres snatched two AK-47 rifles and two Insas Rifles along with two magazines each from some 2nd MR personnel at Sibilong along Imphal-Jiribam highway on August 29 .

However, a press statement issued by PIB(DW) said that both Kabigai and Namkhaulung were cadres of NSCN-K and they were involved in snatching guns from MR personnel.

Meanwhile, decrying the arrest of the two men and the alleged assault on womenfolk, the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur submitted representation to Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam yesterday.

It demanded unconditional release of the two arrested men and compensation for womenfolk injured in the assault by security forces.

The four CSOs said that they would submit an ultimatum to the Government and they would launch all kinds of intense agitation if their demands are not fulfilled at the earliest.

Comment