Cachar, July 22:      Today, a massive protest erupted in Hmarkhawlein village as thousands of members from the Hmar community in Barak Valley gathered dressed in black. They voiced outrage over the deaths of Lalbiekking Hmar, Joshua Hmar, and Lallungawi Hmar, who were reportedly killed in what they claim was a staged encounter by Cachar Police.

The incident, alleged to have taken place on July 17 at Bhuban Hills, has sparked controversy with conflicting narratives. While Cachar Police maintain the three were suspected militants killed in a crossfire, the Hmar community and various tribal associations assert the youths were victims of extrajudicial killings. However, family members have filed a case at Lakhipur police station, disputing any militant affiliations.

During the protest, demonstrators marched with placards demanding an independent judicial inquiry into the incident. They submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Civil of Lakhipur, calling for justice and accountability. The community vehemently denied police allegations that the deceased were militants, alleging instead that the encounter was fabricated.

The memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Assam outlines four key demands: 

1.Conduct an immediate independent inquiry led by a senior police officer from outside Assam to register an FIR, investigate, and prosecute those responsible.

2.Arrest, suspend, and prosecute all police personnel and others identified in the videos, according to the law.

3.Provide 1 crore rupees compensation to each family of the deceased.

4.Arrange for immediate post-mortem examinations of the deceased by doctors from Mizoram.