Kohima, March 15 (MExN): Two student organisations in Nagaland have condemned the alleged frisking and harassment of the General Secretary of the Phek Students’ Union (PSU) by personnel of the 39 Assam Rifles at Phek village on March 12, describing the incident as humiliating and unjustified.
In separate statements, the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) and the Phekmi Collegiate Forum (PCF) expressed strong concern over the incident, stating that the student leader was allegedly subjected to questioning and publicly treated as a suspect for being associated with underground factions.
The CSU termed the action “arbitrary” and “despicable,” stating that such conduct cannot be tolerated in a community that values peaceful coexistence.
According to the union, the incident not only hurt the sentiments of the individual concerned but also affected the dignity of the peace-loving Chakhesang community.
The CSU also reiterated its stance of non-cooperation with the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), stating that the law grants unbridled powers to the armed forces operating in the region.
The student body said AFSPA, imposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), continues to remain a contentious issue among the people of Nagaland.
Reaffirming its position, the union directed all its affiliated and subordinate units to abstain from any association with Indian armed forces operating in areas where AFSPA is enforced.
The CSU further urged the government to heed the demands of the people and repeal the Act without delay, stating that it was imperative to restore peace and justice to the people of Nagaland who have suffered oppression for a long time.
Meanwhile, the Phekmi Collegiate Forum also strongly condemned what it described as the unnecessary and humiliating frisking of one of its bona fide members, who is also the PSU General Secretary.
According to the forum, the student leader was stopped and questioned on suspicion of links with an underground faction, an action it described as unjustified and humiliating for a responsible student representative.
The forum said student leaders who actively work for the welfare of the student community should not be subjected to suspicion or intimidation without credible grounds.
Referring to the Assam Rifles’ motto “Friends of the Hill People,” the forum said the force is expected to uphold the principle both in letter and spirit.
“Incidents of this nature reflect a disturbing contradiction between the force’s stated motto and its conduct on the ground,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the role of security forces in maintaining peace and stability, the PCF said misuse of provisions under AFSPA to harass innocent civilians erodes public trust and damages relations between security forces and local communities.
The forum stressed that security operations should be conducted with fairness, professionalism and due respect for human dignity, especially when dealing with students and youth leaders.
It also urged the authorities of the 39 Assam Rifles to exercise greater responsibility, restraint and sensitivity while interacting with civilians.
Calling on higher authorities to take note of the matter, the forum sought measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
The Phekmi Collegiate Forum further expressed solidarity with the aggrieved individual and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the dignity, rights and welfare of its members and the broader student community.
