In a shocking incident today, the President of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) was reportedly assaulted by a jawan of the Assam Rifles in Kohima. The altercation occurred around 12:30 PM near the Assam Rifles camp at D Block colony, beneath the DC office in Kohima.
According to a press release from the ASU, the Union President was allegedly assaulted within the Assam Rifles camp without any provocation, sparking public unrest in the vicinity. ASU officials who arrived at the scene confirmed that the President was struck in the face and threatened with a rifle butt.
The situation escalated when the Assam Rifles jawans initially denied any wrongdoing, leading to a scuffle between the two parties and heightening tensions among the local population. To prevent further violence, the ASU called for an immediate shutdown of local businesses, apologizing for the inconvenience caused but emphasizing the need for public safety.
The ASU has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to IGAR North to identify and take action against the responsible jawan, demanding a public apology. Additionally, they have urged the Assam Rifles to avoid passing through Angami-inhabited areas to prevent further incidents. The ASU clarified that the shutdown would only restrict Assam Rifles’ movements and would not affect other activities.
The ASU also reiterated their demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958, stating that the act continues to “torture and harass the common people.” The Union warned that they would not hesitate to initiate democratic protests if their demands are not met.
Despite multiple attempts, the 13 Assam Rifles have not responded to the incident at the time of this report.
Solidarity from Other Organizations
In response to the incident, various organizations, including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Angami Women Organisation (AWO), and All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU), have condemned the assault.
The NSF declared the incident as an attack not just on an individual but on the entire Naga student community, vowing that such acts of violence, especially by security forces, would not be tolerated. They reiterated their call for the repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland and urged all affiliated bodies to maintain the ongoing Non-Cooperation movement against the armed forces. The NSF also demanded the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles camp from D Block, Kohima, citing public inconvenience and danger.
The AKM expressed full solidarity with the ASU, supporting the call for a shutdown and indefinite bandh in Angami-inhabited areas starting August 10. They called for immediate action against those responsible and urged paramilitary forces to respect democratic rights and avoid further escalation. They also appealed to the state government to ensure the safety of student leaders throughout Nagaland.
Similarly, the AWO condemned the assault, describing it as an unthinkable act of disrespect toward a promising student leader, and demanded swift justice. The ANCSU labeled the incident as “unacceptable in a civilized society” and called for the repeal of AFSPA from public areas and Nagaland state.
