Even as student bodies continue to condemn the assault on Moalong Jamir, a second semester student of Tetso College, at New Showba Village on January 29 by Anti Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS) of Nagaland Police, the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has taken cognizance of the incident and has asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a report within one week.
Informing this, the commission in a press release mentioned that since it came into existence it had taken up a number of cases, including the two custodial death cases that occurred last year at the Central Jail, Dimapur and at Chümoukedima Police station.
The commission disclosed that the two cases were proceeding at fast pace and were likely to be disposed soon.
NSHRC said it had also visited police stations, jails, hospitals, health centres, government schools and public distribution centres in the district of Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima, and Bhandari sub-division in Wokha district. After the visits, interaction with the officials of the departments were held and action taken reports were called for.
In continuation of its effort to see that human rights were promoted and their violations prevented, the commission stated that it was once again embarking on tours to remote areas of the state, beginning from Mon and Longleng districts in the third week of February.
During the tour, the commission mentioned that anyone was welcome to meet its members for interaction or submission of any complaint relating to violation of human rights.
The commission would also visit police stations, jails, hospitals, health centres and public distribution centres, besides interacting with civil society organisations (CSOs), including church leaders and government officials. Such visits or tours would continue during the coming months. This was stated in the press release.
NSF 3-day deadline: Expressing deep concern and strongly condemning the assault on Moalong Jamir by Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS) personnel, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi and education secretary Temjentoshi in a statement called for suspension of the personnel responsible within three days and demanded that the suspension order be placed in public domain.
They warned that failure to take decisive action against those responsible would compel the federation to pursue its own course of action to ensure justice for the victim and prevent the recurrence of such heinous acts. NSF said that the shocking incident had stirred a groundswell of indignation among the citizens across the region.
The federation pointed out that the young student’s brutal encounter with the AVTS had not only left the entire student community in shock and disbelief, but also raised serious questions about the excessive use of force by few personnel of the law enforcement.
It declared that, as a collective voice of Naga students, NSF stood in solidarity with the victim, strongly denouncing the act of violence against a student pursuing his education or upon any individual.
NSF said the injuries inflicted upon Moalong, including damage to his left ear drum, a fractured spinal cord, and a swollen kidney, revealed the gravity of the situation, underscoring the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice. They emphasised accountability and transparency in cases of abuse of power.
Acknowledging the vital role played by the police in maintaining public safety, the duo stressed the imperative to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and human rights at all times.
According to NSF, the abuse of power by those entrusted with upholding law and order was disheartening, stressing that they believed that the principles of justice must prevail irrespective of the circumstances.
They urged the authorities to conduct an impartial and expeditious investigation into the incident, holding the guilty parties accountable to restore public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement.
Expressing solidarity with the victim and his family, they called upon all conscientious citizens, CSOs, and the general public to join hands in condemning this act of brutality.
“Together, we must strive for a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are safeguarded,” they stressed.
For the sake of justice, they urged a swift response from the authorities concerned, reiterating that they remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that Jamir receives the justice he deserved.
OKM: Stating that they were appalled and outraged by the incident, OKM president Limatongzuk Jamir and general secretary Sungkumjang Kichu in a statement termed the assault on Jamir by the AVTS team an outrageous violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice and dignity.
They unequivocally condemned the heartless and unwarranted action on the young student, adding that such barbaric behaviour perpetrated by those entrusted to uphold the law was a grave betrayal of public trust and an assault on the very fabric of the society.
Demanding immediate and decisive action from the competent authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous act were held accountable, they insisted on a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, with transparent oversight to guarantee justice to Jamir and his family.
They also categorically rejected any attempt to justify or trivialise such acts of violence, declared that there could be no excuse for the abuse of power and the flagrant disregard for the rights and safety of individuals.
They urged the Nagaland Police and relevant authorities to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law by taking immediate and decisive action against those responsible, cautioning that failure to do so would only serve to perpetuate a culture of impunity and erode public confidence in the institutions.
Reiterating their firm stance against all forms of violence and oppression, the duo called upon fellow citizens and CSOs to join them in condemning such disgraceful acts and advocating for a society where justice, dignity, and respect for human rights prevailed.
Assuring that the OKM was committed to closely monitor developments in the case, they declared that they would not rest until justice was served and the perpetrators were brought to account.
They said they stood united in pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice for Moalong and all victims of injustice.
CALT: Chümoukedima Ao Lanur Telongjem (CALT) also condemned the assault on Moalong Jamir by AVTS personnel and said that it was greatly disturbed by the unlawful actions, misconduct and unjustly charging an innocent student without proper interrogation/lawful procedure.
Stating that it was amateur on the part of the personnel on duty, CALT demanded immediate intervention of the higher ups of Nagaland Police to look into the matter seriously and take appropriate action against the erring personnel in order to deliver justice to the victim.
PCJ: Project Constitutional Justice (PCJ) has condemned the assault on Moalong Jamir by AVTS personnel.
In a press note, PCJ chief outreach coordinator John Mech said that the ass
ault was a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights and raises serious concerns about the use of force by law enforcement officials.
While extending solidarity with the victim, PCJ demand swift and decisive action from the authorities and also a thorough and independent investigation, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity.
Furthermore, PCJ also urged the authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of all including students, both on and off campus. This requires drafting and implementing clear guidelines for police officers and jawans under the jurisdiction of SP Chümoukedima to effectively enable them to sensitively interact with cases where juveniles and students are involved. PCJ said it would be closely monitoring the situation and advocate for justice, accountability, and the safety of all students.