Dimapur, August 30 (MExN): Several student and youth organisations have condemned the death of two students of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, in a road incident on August 29, calling for a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Rongmei Students’ Organization Nagaland (RSON), Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN), Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) and Zeliang Youth Organisation Dimapur (ZYOD) expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
According to the organisations, the two students were walking along the roadside when they were struck by a Maruti Gypsy bearing registration number NL07 CA 5405. RSON described the incident as a "multiple hit-and-run case", alleging that pedestrians and several vehicles were struck.
The ZSUN and WNYF raised concerns over reports that the vehicle allegedly ran over the students after the initial impact, when they had fallen to the ground. They called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be investigated to establish whether there was any deliberate intent involved.
ZYOD, in its statement, described the incident as resulting from "rash and negligent driving" and said another individual involved in the incident was currently absconding. The organisation urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible receive "befitting punishment" in accordance with the law, without bias or delay.
The organisations called for a "thorough, impartial and uncompromising investigation" and urged police to take appropriate and stringent legal action based on the evidence.
WNYF said if negligence, reckless driving or deliberate intent is established, "the strongest appropriate action must be taken" against those responsible. It also sought due compensation and necessary assistance for the bereaved families.
The ZSUN demanded that if deliberate intent is established, stringent charges should be invoked and a strong charge-sheet filed. It also called for compensation under the victim compensation scheme and other applicable laws.
ZYOD further demanded strict enforcement of measures to curb rash driving to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while appealing to the community to maintain peace and allow the law to take its course.
"There must be no compromise, dilution of the case or attempt to shield anyone responsible," WNYF stated.
The DNSU, RSON, ZSUN, WNYF and ZYOD extended condolences to the bereaved families, friends, classmates, teachers and the Don Bosco community.
RSON appealed for "swift justice" for the families, while DNSU called for the person responsible to be held accountable.
"Two innocent lives lost. Two families devastated. We demand truth. We demand a proper investigation. We demand justice," ZSUN stated.
