Mao:  The Mao Students’ Union (MSU) and the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) have strongly condemned the physical assault on Mr. Loli Kaihrii, a 36-year-old resident of Kalinamei Village, by personnel from the 16 Assam Rifles Battalion stationed at Mao Post. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has triggered widespread outrage within the Naga community.

Mr. Kaihrii, who serves as the Games and Sports Secretary of the Kalinamei Youth and Students’ Organisation and as an auditor for the Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, was reportedly assaulted by soldiers from the 16 Assam Rifles. According to local accounts, the 16 Assam Rifles personnel grabbed Mr. Kaihrii by the neck while others kicked him from behind. The situation escalated when Major Anish, the commanding officer of the 16 Assam Rifles at Mao, arrived. He allegedly slapped Mr. Kaihrii, struck him with a rifle butt, and threatened to kill him before firing three shots in front of the gathered villagers, who were seeking a peaceful resolution.

The MSU has condemned these actions as “unacceptable and intolerable,” expressing concern that such violence was perpetrated by a force that claims to be “Friends of the Hill People.” They noted that this incident adds to a growing list of grievances against the Assam Rifles in the Naga community.

In a broader response, ANSAM, along with its constituent units, also expressed strong resentment toward the actions of the Assam Rifles, describing them as barbaric, unruly, and uncivilized. ANSAM pointed out that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred, despite repeated requests for peaceful cooperation.

ANSAM emphasized that they are seeking justice through peaceful means, not violence. They criticized the Assam Rifles for allegedly obstructing their attempts at dialogue and reiterated their long-standing demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Naga-inhabited areas.

Both MSU and ANSAM are demanding that those responsible for the assault on Mr. Kaihrii be held accountable and brought to justice. They urge the concerned authorities to take stringent measures to prevent such acts of violence and to uphold the dignity and rights of all citizens.