Various organization have condemned the raid carried out by Assam Rifles at the private residence of Roko Angami on the wee hours of October 29.
ASU: Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has condemned the action perpetrated by Assam Rifles, which it said not only shocked and traumatised Roko Angami and families but the whole Nagas.
ASU president Bisevi Nakhro and general secretary Mhalevilie Medoze said it was evident that the Assam Rifles had “clearly sent the message to abruptly disturb the peace and tranquility in Naga homeland and expose their intention of exercising the draconian laws.”
The union wondered as to how the common citizens would safety exist if a reputed sports personality and a leader like Roko Angami was not spared and safe from the brutality of the armed forces.
The union said it would not tolerate or remain silent “unless the authorities of 1st Assam Rifles publicly apologised and explicitly declare their wrongdoings immediately.” The “Friends of the Hill People” should be removed because it contradicts its own motto, ASU stated.
MYO: Mengujuma Youth Organisation (MYO) while condemning the raid stated that Assam Rifles, who claimed themselves as the “Friends of the Hill people” was highly condemnable and cannot be tolerated as it was “basing on the wrong information obtained from their intelligence and harassing the innocent peace loving citizens again and again”.
MYO president Viralhou Sechu and secretary Keikuolhoubei Mor demanded public clarification from Assam Rifles and justice for humiliation and damaged done to Roko Angami.
It also condemned the officer-in-charge who led the troops and committed the act in particular and appealed to the Assam Rifles in general, to verify the information thoroughly before taking any action so that in future the innocent peace loving citizens would not be victims of the so called “Friends of the Hill People”.
DDFA: Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) while condemning the raid carried out by the 1st Assam Rifles said such action was uncalled for against a football icon, who has brought laurels to the football fraternity and also the state.
The association said the raid by Assam Rifles was a callous and urged the competent authority to deliver justice at the earliest.
DDFA further urged other football clubs, that if necessary, to boycott the Captain Neikezhakuo Kengurüse memorial football tournament hosted by the Assam Rifles, if no apology or action was taken against the erring personnel.
MDFA: Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) has condemned the unwarranted raid conducted by the Assam Rifles at the residence of Roko Angami. MDFA president Meyisanger Lemtur said that Roko was a person who dedicated his lifetime to the overall development of football in Nagaland and also brought laurels by representing the Indian National Football team. MDFA condemned the act committed by Assam Rifles and demanded that an apology be tendered for the damage done.
AFC: Aphuyemi Football Club (AFC) has condemned the “blatant and irresponsible action” of the Assam Rifles. AFC through its president Shiyeto Wotsa and general secretary Benjamin A swu demanded public clarification and apology from the Assam Rifles. It also stated that Roko was a football icon of Nagaland who has been promoting football and selflessly works for the development of sports.
Calling upon all the right-thinking citizens to condemn the action, the club also appealed to the authority to book the erring personnel.
FAPD: Football Association Phek District (FAPD) has expressed shock over the highhanded action of the 1st Assam Rifles and said that the double standard of Assam Rifles who on one hand were organising state level sports tournaments (football and basketball), and harassing a top football coach and well respected sportsman on the other hand was highly condemnable.
FAPD president Colo Mero and general secretary Vekhozo has urged the concerned authority to take necessary action failing which the football fraternity of Nagaland in solidarity would completely boycott the AR organised football tournament in the state for the safety and integrity of the football players and officials.