Dimapur, October 31 (MExN): The Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) on Sunday flayed the 1st Assam Rifles for reportedly raiding the residence of its President, Roko Angami on October 29.
The Association stated that Roko Angami has achieved accolades for himself and the State and has also brought laurels for the country while representing the Indian Football team. Stating that he also holds high level coaching licenses like the Asian Football Confederation B’ License, the NFCA added that Roko Angami is also actively involved in other community services.
Condemning the act, it expressed concern that “even such a prominent citizen well known all over the sports fraternity of India is not safe in his own home.”
It demanded public clarification from the Assam Rifles and sought justice for the humiliation and damage done to its President.
The NFCA cautioned that if necessary, it would boycott the Captain Kengruse memorial trophy which is hosted by the Assam Rifles.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) stated that it is “deeply disturbed and anguished by the actions of the 1st Assam Rifles”.
Describing Roko Angami as a ‘sports icon’ of Nagaland, an international footballer and a person who has been tirelessly working for the upliftment of sportspersons, the NASA said that he is also a social worker who works selflessly for the society.
The NFCA President is also serving as the President of Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO), the apex youth organisation of the Northern Angamis.
“The character assassination of a dignified citizen of the state, the fear psychosis created in and around the Village, the lasting traumas caused, their high handedness, immature attitudes all points to a force with ulterior motives, a force who dictates at their whims,” the NASA strongly stated in its message on Sunday.
Appealing all right thinking citizens to condemn the act which is ‘alien to Naga society’, the NASA further appealed the competent authority to book the erring personnel at the earliest and deliver justice to the traumatized family.
