ZSTH demands unconditional apology
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 9 (MExN): The Zunheboto Sumi Totimi Hoho (ZSTH) has accused the personnel of 32nd Assam Rifles of ‘barbaric conduct’ in the form of physical abuse meted to civilians including women at Project Colony, Zunheboto on August 7, 2019.
In a memorandum addressed to the Commandant of 32nd AR, DC Zunheboto and SP Zunheboto, the Hoho stated the incident occurred at 5:00 pm when two army personnel in civvies were observed clicking photograph from mobile phones in a suspicious manner.
It alleged that when some colony youths confronted the two on their intention, a heated argument broke out after which the contingents of 32nd AR suddenly arrived on the spot and surrounded the area with guns cocked and started beating the youths mercilessly. Two youths, identified as Arkha of Hekiye village and Hito of Sukhalu village, a tuberculosis patient, were grievously injured, the Hoho stated.
When the women folks/mothers of the colony intervened by appealing the AR personnel not to harm the youths further, the Hoho alleged that the women were also hit by rifle butts. It said that four women, who were identified as Vinitoli, Aboli, Lovikali, and Shikali, were among those badly injured during the incident.
While condemning the incident which it termed as a clear violation of human rights, the Hoho has demanded unconditional apology from the commandant of the 32nd AR Zunheboto on or before August 13 failing which, the Hoho said, it would be compelled to protest in the form of "shutter down" of Zunheboto town .
