Phek, January 17 (MExN): Ruzazho Village Council (RVC) has expressed shock that Velasayi Sapuh was apprehended again by the Assam Rifles at his residence in Kohima. The council also expressed surprise that the other tenants were not spared but “harassed by randomly searching their room causing mental torture to the small children and even women living inside.”
A press statement from Vevota Swuro, Secretary and Jolelhu Veswuh, Chairman of Ruzazho Village Council alleged that Sapuh’s wife was forced to sign a paper stating that a 0.22 pistol was found in their house, which was false. Sapuh was then arrested and taken away at midnight leaving his wife and three young children, it said.
The statement mentioned that in 2016 too, Sapuh was apprehended at his residence by the Assam Rifles in the wee hours and “manipulated him to sign the document which falsely accused him to be a Deputy Kilonser of NSCN (K).”
The village council alleged that the Assam Rifles physically tortured him this time too for 12 hours and made him sign a document again declaring himself to be a Deputy Kilonser of NSCN (K). Later, he was taken to hospital for physical check up.
“The two incidents lead us to suspect in some foul play or conspiracy for which his life will never be the same again. Despite being found to be innocent after the first torturous incident, after a gap of one year the same fate has befallen this person who happens to be the bread earner for his three young children and wife,” it lamented.
The council stated that Sapuh has neither joined in any underground faction nor involved in any anti-national activity.
Therefore, it has urged the Government to set up an independent enquiry commission to unearth the truth behind the “conspiracy” of torturing innocent citizens, book the person(s) responsible and mete out appropriate action to them as per the law of the land.
