DIMAPUR, AUGUST 25 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students; Federation (ENSF) has submitted a representation to the Nagaland Chief Secretary demanding stringent action against the perpetrators involved in the custodial death of one Henveih Phom at Sivsagar district, Assam.
A press release from the ENSF said that on August 16, Henveih Phom (35 yrs) from Anaki-C Village was arrested by Assam Police at Anaki Village jurisdiction (Nagaland) and remanded into Sivasagar District Jail, Assam.
“He was tortured and brutally beaten by the Assam Police in broad daylight and lodged into Sivasagar District Jail, Assam. At the time of his arrest, his health condition was physically fit. However within six days of his arrest by Assam Police, he died under their custody on 21/08/22 in a very suspicious manner,” the ENSF alleged.
It further stated that the family was informed by Assam Police only after his death. When the family reached the spot, his dead body was found lying in a corridor at Joysagar Civil Hospital, Assam, the federation stated.
The ENSF condemned the act and said that it is “deeply concerned by the deteriorating circumstances in which such lawlessness exists, which undermines and pays no heed to the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of India and International Human Rights Law.” The inhuman and irresponsible act by the law enforcing force is totally unacceptable and is a matter of disgrace to the constitution of the country, it added.
The federation demanded that the Nagaland Government immediately constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to enquire into the mysterious death of Henveih Phom and to ensure that timely justice is delivered by booking the perpetrators under the relevant section of the law.
Public rally on Aug 26
The ENSF meanwhile informed that in pursuance to an emergency executive meeting held on August 25 at DUDA guest house, Kohima, the federation in solidarity with the Phom community will conduct a peaceful protest in all the seven federating units Hqs. The peaceful public rally will be held on August 26 from 11:00 am.
It directed all federating units vis-a-vis, Chang Wedoshi Setshang, Khiamnuingan Students’ Union, Konyak Students’ Union, Phom Students’ Conference, Tikhir Students’ Union, United Sangtam Students’ Conference, and Yimkhuing Akheru Arihako to comply with this notice.
