ASU-AR Aug 9 incident resolved; Assam Rifles jawan apologizes

The recent standoff between the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) and the 13 Assam Rifles (IGAR-North), has been amicably resolved following a marathon coordination meeting between the two parties at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) conference hall here on Sunday night.

At the meeting facilitated by DC and SP Kohima, the AR jawan involved in the incident personally tendered unconditional apology. AR officers led by Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) who attended the meeting informed the gathering that disciplinary action had been initiated against the jawan.

The issue arose after an Assam Rifles (AR) jawan allegedly assaulted ASU president at entrance to AR camp in D Block here on August 9, causing a standoff between the student body and the Assam Rifles.
Addressing a press conference here Monday, ASU general secretary Vimeyiekho Vitso confirmed that the demands placed by the union had been accepted by the AR, leading to the resolution of the conflict.

ASU had earlier initiated an indefinite bandh, restricting the movement of AR personnel within the Angami jurisdiction, giving the paramilitary force 48 hours to identify and take disciplinary action against the erring jawan.

He acknowledged the support and solidarity extended by various civil society organisations and student bodies following the incident. He also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the general public in the aftermath of the incident, clarifying that it was not the union’s intention to disrupt the lives of citizens in any manner.

Highlighting the broader context, Vitso remarked that the incident was not an isolated one, but rather part of a larger pattern of confrontations between Nagas and security forces under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) across the state. He said that several such similar incidents had occurred in the same area, which went unreported.

Although the paramilitary force had issued a clarification regarding the incident on Saturday, Vitso stated that it would be considered null and void now that the matter had been settled.
He said that while the immediate issue had been resolved, ASU said it would continue its non-cooperation with security forces, aligning with the Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) demand for the repeal of AFSPA from Naga homeland.

He also called on the security forces to cease harassment of Nagas under the cover of AFSPA, urging the Central government to repeal the law from Naga areas. Responding to queries about security concerns in the D Block area, Vitso questioned the AR’s definition of a “security zone” if the general public felt unsafe. He suggested the security force to consider relocating their camp from the heart of the state capital if they did not feel secure in the midst of the general populace.

Besides DC and SP, the meeting was also attended by leaders from the Angami Public Organisation, Angami Youth Organisation, ADC Kohima, IGAR (North) and SO to IGAR (N).