Imphal: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has criticised the Central and state governments over what it described as a failure to protect people in vulnerable areas. It called for immediate action over the recent killing of a 17-year-old student.
In a statement, the student body questioned the ability of authorities and law enforcement agencies to enforce the law against those involved in criminal activities.
ANSAM condemned the killing of 17-year-old NK Wiphenbou of Upper Takou Village. It alleged that members of the Kuki National Front (Presidential) (KNF-P) and affiliated Kuki armed militants killed the student between Takou and Tama (Malek) villages under Tamei sub-division in Tamenglong district.
The organisation alleged that the Union and state governments have failed to respond to what it described as attacks against Naga people and other indigenous communities by Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
ANSAM said civilians, teachers, women, students and children have been targeted by groups operating under the agreement. It described the alleged incidents as a failure of the authorities to protect civilians.
The student body also said people expect the government to protect lives and property but have received only official statements. It said condemnations without action to enforce the law would not address the situation.
ANSAM urged the Government of India and the Manipur government to take action against those responsible for the student’s killing. It also called for the deployment of security forces in vulnerable border areas.
The organisation said official statements and political dialogue should be accompanied by legal action and measures to protect civilians.