Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2009:
A villager of New Canaan under Ukhrul district and located near Yaingangpokpi of Imphal East district was severely assaulted by unidentified armed persons at about 4.30 pm of February 4 .
Asserting that the armed assailants moved into the 23 AR post located nearby, villagers of New Canaan and approached the AR post the next day (February 5), alleged villagers.
The victim Meiphok Naohor (38) s/o Malungkang was going to Yaingangpokpi Bazar with his friend Phungreikan Khamlang (40) on a motorbike.
On the way, they nearly collided with a Maruti Gypsy coming from the opposite direction in high speed.
These angered those travelling in Gypsy to thrash Naohor blue and black.
Linta Luikham (38), a teacher in the Holy Trinity Co-Educational Institute who saw the whole scene said that Naohor who was riding the motorbike shouted to the four individuals travelling in the Gypsy on their rash driving.
At these, the Gypsy turned around and chased Naohor.
Then they thrashed Naohor in brutal manner.
Linta Luikham of Ukhrul but staying at New Canaan said that the assailants were in combat fatigue.
However, by some means, Naohor's companion escaped the brutality.
The assailants also brandished a small gun and pointed at Naohor and fired a shot near the ear.
They also tried to push Naohor down the river near Ching-Tam High School.
They restrained on being intervened only to whisk away Naohor in their Gypsy, said Linta while speaking to reporters today.
All the four spoke Manipuri.
Though they paid no heed to all attempts to stop the thrashing, they brought Naohor to his home later, Linta conveyed.
Enraged with the assault, a large number of villagers stormed the AR post on the next day.
At this the post commander assured that no such incidents will be allowed to reoccur again.
In protest against the assault, a public meeting was held at New Canaan community hall today.
The meeting attended by women organisations of Wunghon, Luyaram, Thawai, Mayophung, Muirei, Ngarumphung, Sailient, Laikot, Phaizol and Riha decided to constitute a joint action committee.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Southern Tangkhul Students' Union (Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights.