UNC leads in condemning assault of Naga youths
Source: The Sangai Express / NNN

Imphal/Senapati, November 01 2024: The United Naga Council (UNC) is irked by the "unwarranted act" of looting and physically and mentally assaulting V Hrangao Blesson of Kodom Khullen and Dalou of Liyai Khullen belonging to Poumai Naga tribe on October 31, 2024 at Lamshang area, Imphal, on their way back to Senapati allegedly by the Arambai Tengol (AT).

The UNC in no uncertain terms condemned "such a barbaric act" and questioned the motive behind their action.

In a statement made available to Newmai News Network tonight, the apex Naga body in Manipur said, "Seventeen months have well passed ever since the mayhem broke out on May 3, 2023 and all the ethnic communities living in the State of Manipur including Nagas as the third parties have been suffering untold miseries in every sphere".

With all concern and patience, hoping for resolution to the ongoing conflict, Naga people have endured all the hardships and provocations from both the communities yet, the Naga people are continuously harassed in many ways, the UNC added.

The Naga body said it seriously view "this provocative action" and demanded the State authorities to immediately identify and arrest the perpetrators of the crime and promptly dispense justice to the victims as per the law of the land.

The UNC also urged civil society organizations concerned to look into the matter earnestly and initiate proactive steps to contain all such sporadic incidents.

Further, the UNC drew the attention of all for immediate intervention to put at rest these wanton and unwarranted checkings/friskings/detentions and various strictures imposed on Naga people in sporadic areas and unabated illegal taxation/extortion along the National Highways and inter-district highways once and for all in the greater interest of all the communities living in the State of Manipur.

The Naga Peoples' Union, Imphal (NPUI) and the Federation of Haomee (FoH) have also strongly condemned the assault of V Hrangao Blesson s/o Veino of Kodom Khullen village and Dalou s/o Hriinnii of Liyai Khullen village at Lamsang on October 31 .

It was said that the assailants not only assaulted the two men but also looted money from them.

The particular incident was a grave violation of human rights, fundamental freedom and the rule of law, NPUI said in a press release.

"We the citizens of Manipur, particularly the Nagas, denounce this reprehensible act of violence, intimidation, extortion and human rights violation", it said.

The NPUI also urged the authorities concerned to take up immediate actions and ensure that justice is done to the victims promptly.

Vehemently condemning the assault of V Hrangao Blesson and Dalou and robbery, the FoH decried that such incidents seriously undermined its campaign of "Know Your Identity" and unification of all indigenous people who have Yek-Salai.

A press release issued by FoH urged the authorities to book the perpetrators and ascertain why they assaulted and robbed the two Poumai men.

The FoH also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

"In order to avoid similar incidents of assault, robbery, intimidation and extortion in the name of the ongoing violent crisis, all of us need to be vigilant and wary" it said.

Comment