KNF (MC) accused of assaulting villagers over NREGS
Kom Rem Students' Union sees red
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 01: The Kom Rem Students Union, general headquarters has alleged that five persons from Kangathei village of Churachandpur district, who were among 26 villagers summoned by an armed group, were thrashed at Tuibuong last evening.

The injured five have been identified as S Moses Kom (41) s/o S Hangringkhup Kom, Dr Thangneiring Kom (50) s/o S Hmangrengkhup, L Thangthang (60) s/o (L) L Thangkam, L Thangkhomang (60) and L Ashong (50) both son of (L) L Mani Kom.

Komrem villagers exhibit the brutalities of a UG group

Briefing mediapersons at AMSU head office today in connection with the incident, KRSU president TS Kom contended that activists of the Kuki National Front's Military Council (KNF-MC) were responsible for the thrashing of the five Kangathei villagers.

Informing that S Moses and Hmangrengkhup had several bruise marks all over their bodies, the student leader said L Thangthang, L Thangkhomang and L Ashong suffered fractures in the arms and fingertips.

He also maintained that refusal by the Kangathei villagers against KNF-MC's instruction for surrendering their 'job cards' of NREGS programme to the village chief is the main factor for the armed activists inhumanely beating the five.

Reminding that KNF-MC is one of the armed organisations covered by the 'suspension of operation' deal with the Government, TS Kom opined that it is the bounden duty of the State authorities to safeguard life and property of the citizens.

Further demanding that Government extend financial assistances for treatment of the injured five within 48 hours, he also cautioned that in case such incidents recur agitation would be launched against the Government.

He also called upon the leaders of KNF-MC to reign-in their cadres and enable the villagers live without any apprehension or fear.

Further appealing to the KNF-MC organisation not to insist on monetary demand from the kangathei villagers, Kom highlighted that whatever amount the villagers had been earning under the National Rural Employment Gaurantee Scheme programme is through sweat and toil such as digging of pond and drain works.

The student union president also called upon civil society organisations to contribute their mite in protecting the indigenous Kom people.