ASU condemns assault on Rengma youths

Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has condemned the alleged interception and assault of two Rengma youths from Phenda village, terming it a grave violation of human dignity.
In a statement, ASU vice president Zhovito Rikha and general secretary Rajuselie Chücha said the two youths were transporting agricultural produce towards Imphal when they were allegedly unlawfully detained, physically assaulted and subjected to extortion between Kangpokpi and Motbung. The union described the incident as a targeted act against individuals engaged in honest livelihood and termed such acts of aggression as unacceptable in society. It said such incidents, particularly in the prevailing volatile and sensitive climate, were deplorable and reflected a breakdown of basic human values. ASU stated that such inhuman acts, whether committed against one’s own or others, represented a serious moral concern and would not be tolerated.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace, the union stressed that such lawlessness required immediate action. It urged the authorities to act with urgency to ensure that justice was delivered and public trust upheld. The union also expressed solidarity with the Rengma Students’ Union and the victims.