KSO launches 48-hr strike against AR
Book AR Men Responsible For Assault On KSO Leader, 2 Chiefs: KSO-GHQ
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 06 2015 : Kuki Students Organisation, General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has called a 48-hour general strike in the hill districts of Manipur from Sunday midnight in protest against physical assault meted out to its Chandel Unit President and two village chiefs allegedly by one Major Manish Sharma and his jawans posted at Khudengthabi Check post.

Speaking to the media persons at a press meet held at Tribal Market, Imphal, KSO-GHQ General Secretary Seiboi Haokip demanded the Government to immediately book the 24 AR personnel led by one JCO Major Manish Sharma so that they could face legal action as per the law of the land.

KSO warned that if the responsible authorities fail to take up any action within two days starting midnight of December 6, the organisation would be compelled to launch an indefinite strike in all hill districts of Manipur.

Seiboi stated, "This is not the first time such inhumane treatment is meted out to innocent travelers at Khudengthabi Check post manned by personnel of 24 AR".

He alleged that "unwarranted harassment, extortion, corruption and human rights violation by the 24 AR personnel is the order of the day at the check post." It has become the inherent nature of the 24 AR personnel to disrespect and persecute the tribal people of the land ever since their postings in the area, alleged the KSO General Secretary.

The Student stated that tribal communities always hold their chiefs in high esteem but the "repeated and utter disrespect on tribal chiefs and social leaders have greatly infuriated the tribal people" .

Asserting that KSO will not take the matter lying down and will make sure that rights are not violated and self respect restored, Seiboi Haokip warned that if the responsible authorities do not take necessary legal action on the erring AR personnel, the relation between the tribal people and the AR who called themselves "friends of the hill people" will be irreparably strained.

KSO has already filed an FIR with the police and it remains to be seen what step the Government takes, he said.

KSO-GHQ also submitted a representation to the Director General of Assam Rifles to take up necessary action against the Major Manish Sharma and his teams.

It may be mentioned that KSO Chandel District President Doumang Haokip along with two Village Chiefs - Koparsing Lamkang, Chief of Kotal Khunthak and Letkhosel Haokip, Chief of S Lamphei Village were physically assaulted by 24 Assam Rifles posted at Khudengthabi while they were returning from Moreh after attending a condolence service on Saturday at around 3 pm.

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