SENAPATI, Oct 31: Poumai Naga Frontal organizations, including the Poumai Naga Women Union (PNWU), the Poumai Naga Union (PNU), and the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM), have strongly condemned the alleged assault, attempted murder, and armed robbery involving two Poumai Naga villagers in Lamshang, Imphal. The incident has incited outrage within the community, prompting urgent calls for accountability and justice.
The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of October 31, 2024. Mr. V. Hrangao Blesson, from Kodom Khullen Village, and Mr. Dalou, from Liyai Khullen Village, were returning from a livestock purchase in Thoubal when they were allegedly intercepted by members of Arambai Tenggol (AT) Unit 18 at Lamshang. The two men were forcibly detained, taken to the AT Unit 18 camp, subjected to physical assault, and robbed of Rs. 30,000 at gunpoint. They were released briefly, only to be intercepted again by another group, taken to Phumlou Ground in Lamshang, and subjected to further torture, resulting in additional injuries and the loss of another Rs. 31,400. Despite presenting identification, the victims were reportedly threatened with automatic weapons, further aggravating the assault on their dignity and safety.
The Poumai Naga Women Union expressed its profound grief, emphasizing that the attack has pierced the heart of the community and violated the core values of safety and respect for human life. “As mothers, our hearts are shattered by the torment inflicted upon our sons. This act of violence is not merely a violation of individual rights; it is an assault on the very fabric of our society and a blatant disregard for the value of human life,” the PNWU stated. They also called on the Manipur government to take immediate and thorough action, demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice and that preventive measures be implemented to protect the community from similar violence in the future.
The Poumai Naga Union reiterated these calls, describing the assault as a “heinous disregard for human life” and a direct threat to public trust and safety. The union condemned the assault as a severe breach of rights, stressing that accountability must be ensured. “Our community deserves the right to live free from fear and the shadow of such violence. We stand resolute in our demand for justice and will not tolerate the denial of accountability for crimes of this magnitude,” the PNU declared.
Similarly, the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me voiced a strong condemnation, describing the incident as an outright violation of human rights. They urged authorities to take strict measures against the attackers and to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence. “Attempted murder is a grave offense that disregards human life and the rule of law. Such actions undermine our collective security and threaten residents’ well-being. We urge the Manipur government to take immediate action to ensure justice is served and hold those responsible accountable,” the PNTM statement read.
The organizations have united in their demand for justice, stating that they will not remain silent until the perpetrators are held accountable. They further expressed solidarity with the victims, pledging their commitment to safeguarding the safety and dignity of every member of their community.
