Zomi Chiefs Accuse 37 Assam Rifles Officer of Assaulting Local Villager

The Zomi Chiefs Association (ZCA) has accused Major Yadu Krishnan of the 37 Assam Rifles (Khuga Battalion), Churachandpur district, of assaulting a 46-year-old local resident on July 6 in Churachandpur district of Manipur.

The association alleged that the incident, which occurred on July 6, involved Major Yadu and several Assam Rifles personnel in plain clothes, who—without provocation and with complete impunity—physically assaulted Ginneihthuang of Tangnuam village, Churachandpur district, using bare fists and an iron rod.

Expressing its outrage over the incident, the association issued a release on Tuesday, claiming that the victim was also subjected to vile abuse and death threats.

“The gravity of the injuries sustained was so severe that he had to be hospitalized,” the ZCA stated.

The association added that such barbaric and cowardly conduct by a uniformed officer is a flagrant violation of human rights and a disgrace to the esteemed institution of the Assam Rifles.
“This deplorable act not only tarnishes the image of the Indian Armed Forces but also exposes the deep-seated arrogance and impunity with which some officers operate in tribal areas,” the release added.

Claiming that the Assam Rifles refused to engage with the council for a peaceful and just resolution, the release further stated that such a deliberate snub reflects "their contempt for traditional institutions of justice and their disdain for the sentiments of the indigenous people whose land they inhabit under the guise of national service."

The association called upon the highest authorities in the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence to take immediate disciplinary and criminal action against the said officer, and to ensure that Assam Rifles personnel operate within the constitutional bounds of justice, dignity, and respect for the local populace.

“Failure to act swiftly and decisively will only deepen the chasm of mistrust between the security forces and the tribal people of this region,” the release added.