NVC reacts to arrest of its citizens

Reacting to the arrest of NSCN (K) functionary’s wife and three others in Manipur’s Senapati district on April 7 last by the Assam Rifles, the Naharbari Village Council (NVC) on Wednesday clarified that the accused Shelly N Sumi, Ikheli alias Keliato, Hozheli alias Hozhily and Qhutoli were all bona fide citizens of Naharbari village.

NVC chairperson, Tokheli Kikon; Naharbari village head GB, Ganjalal Mech, secretary, Lanuyanger and Naharbari village GB, Renthungo, said the arrested persons was never found indulging or involving in any anti-social activities and they bear good moral character. NVC also stated that the four accused were on their way to Moreh (Manipur) for business when they were apprehended by the 34 Assam Rifles.

Questioning the Assam Rifles as to “how carrying a laptop and personal hard earned money during travelling,” the NVC said it doubted the application of mind of the AR troops in arresting “our women folks” The village council also said it has taken strong exception to “such arbitrary action of the AR troops.” In the light of the above, the NVC has urged the Manipur government and the competent authority to release the four accused soon in order to foster better understanding and cooperation among different communities of the two states.