5 held in Manipur assault; NSF demands justice

Manipur police have arrested five individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with the brutal assault on four tribal student leaders from the Monsang Naga Students’ Union—an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation from tribal student bodies, including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
According to police, the assault occurred on the night of October 30 near Bijoypur along the Kakching Lamkhai–Pallel Road, when the student leaders were returning to Chandel after attending a programme in Kakching Lamkhai. The victims were reportedly stopped by a group of six to seven unidentified individuals travelling on an Activa scooter and an E-rickshaw, and were allegedly assaulted without provocation.
Two of the student leaders- Gideon Kiirii and Ts. Hollyson- sustained serious facial and head injuries and were administered first aid at PHC Komlathabi.
In a press release, Manipur police confirmed the arrest of Elangbam Arun Singh (19), Mayengbam Manglem Singh (22), Nepram Jitan Singh (18), Moirangthem Chinglei Meitei (19), all from the Pallel area, and one juvenile. Two vehicles used in the incident were also seized for verification. Further investigation is underway.
The incident has sparked outrage among tribal student organisations. The Sirti Thimjiitam Sourkhe (STS) termed the assault a life attempt targeting the Monsang community and warned of intensified agitation if justice is delayed. The Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) described the act as heinous and barbaric, stating that an attack on student leaders is an attack on the entire student community.
Lamkang Kurchuknao Kunpun (LKK) also condemned the incident, calling for an impartial investigation and justice for the victims. Meanwhile, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), in a strongly worded statement, labelled the assault as cowardly and premeditated, asserting that it was a calculated attempt to intimidate and destabilize the Naga student movement.
ANSAM further warned that any failure to deliver justice would be viewed as complicity and negligence on the part of law enforcement agencies, affirming that the Naga youth would not be cowed and would stand united to defend their dignity and right to live without fear.
NSF condemns
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned the brutal and unprovoked assault on Monsang student leaders, Gedion Kiirii, president of Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe (STS), Wanglar Phillip, general secretary STS, Ts. Hollyson and Th. Moni by unidentified miscreants. In a press release, NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary, Kenilo Kent, stated Naga Students’ Federation stands in unwavering solidarity with the Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe and the entire Monsang Naga community during this distressing time.
It stated that the heinous attack, reportedly carried out by more than half a dozen assailants without any provocation, has left two student leaders grievously injured and the Naga student fraternity deeply shaken and that such a “cowardly act, aimed at silencing young leaders devoted to community service, is utterly unacceptable and deserves the strongest condemnation.”
NSF further stated that it also questioned the sinister motive behind this targeted assault, especially at a time when the Naga people are sincerely striving for peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and goodwill with all neighbouring communities, adding that the act of barbarity is not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the shared spirit of harmony and inter-community respect that the Nagas have long upheld.
NSF further urged the law enforcement authorities to leave no stones unturned until all the perpetrators are identified and apprehended so that justice may be delivered without delay. Failure to act swiftly will only embolden such elements who seek to sow division and insecurity in the region.
While reaffirming its commitment to the path of peace, unity and justice, the Naga Students’ Federation also cautioned that it will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe and all Naga student bodies in pursuing every democratic and rightful means until the culprits are brought to justice.