Dimapur, August 26 (MExN): In compliance to the directive from the office of the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), its seven federating units held mass public solidarity rally at the respective tribal headquarters at Tuensang, Mon, Noklak, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator and Anatonger (TSU Hq).
The public rally was held in connection with the death of one Henveih Phom, “who was suspiciously found dead under the custody of Assam Police at Sivasagar District Jail, Assam,” according to a press release on Friday.
The federating units include the Chang Wedoshi Setshang, Konyak Students’ Union, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, Phom Students’ Conference, Tikhir Students’ Union, United Sangtam Students’ Conference and Yimkhiung Akheru Arihako.
According to the press release, the rally was initiated under the aegis of Eastern Naga Students’ Federation wherein hundreds of students and public from every walk of life participated and demanded that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be set up to probe the matter at the earliest, and bestow befitting punishment to the perpetrators as per the law of the land.
In addition to the student bodies, tribal leaders and women organizations also participated, showing solidarity to the bereaved family. During the course of the rally, shops were temporarily closed till the programme was over, the release stated.
The programme included observance of a minute of silence as a sign of respect to the deceased and presidents of respective federating units addressed the rally, explaining the background of the incident. They also condemned the heinous crime committed by the law enforcing agency of Assam and strongly demanded for judicial proceedings over the incident, the release stated.
Justice within 15 days: PPC
Meanwhile, another press release informed that a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Longleng Dharam Raj, after the rally on Friday.
While handing over the memorandum, President of Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) Shami Angh urged the DC to deliver the message to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland to deliver justice within 15 days.
“Shami asserted that the Phoms are a peace-loving people who have resolved to end all forms of violence and conflicts both within and outside since 6th June 1952. He informed that failure to deliver justice within the stipulated time would compel the people to confront with violence for justice as directed by the Eastern Nagaland Students Federation (ENSF),” the release stated.
“DC Dharam Raj while extending solidarity with the people of the district asserted that death under the custody of Police is the highest crime and assured the mammoth gathering of people that justice will be delivered and urged the people to appeal before the National Human Rights Commission of India,” the press release stated.
He however appealed to the gathering to remain calm and not to resort to any form of violence, and to maintain peace and tranquility with the neighbours till justice is done, it stated.
Informing that he along with SP Longleng have spoken to the DC and SP of Sivasagar, Assam to speed up the investigation for early justice the DC said the Assam counterparts have also given their assurance for early investigation and justice, the release stated.
Condemnations pour in
Several organisations and individuals also condemned the alleged custodial death.
A press release from Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of the NPF Legislature Party and Co Chairman of the UDA Government questioned the Assam Government, particularly the law enforcing agencies, that “when our own neighbour is not safe in the hands of our own security personnel then it will break the trust of brotherhood between the two peace loving states.”
It appealed to the Assam Government to immediately set up a Special Investigative Team and probe the case without any biasness and deliver justice to the victim’s family at the earliest possible time.
The Phomla Hoichem (apex Phom womens’ organisation) also demanded the competent authority to immediately set up Special Investigation Committee and deliver justice at the earliest. It said that the organisation would continue to fight till justice is delivered to the departed soul.
The Phom Union Kohima, in its press release, said that the case “is an absolute violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and abuse of human rights.” It appealed to the competent authority to take legal action against the culprits and deliver justice at the earliest.
The Pongren Students’ Union said that this “heedless behaviour and savagery of the personnel cannot be justified in any manner.” “The jawans who were supposed to protect the citizens has completely failed which undermines and pay no heed to the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of India,” it said.
The United Sangtam Students’ Conference demanded that the personnel who were involved in the act must be brought to justice immediately. It expressed support to the ENSF’s appeal for an SIT to investigate the case.
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