PRESS STATEMENT

The Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Delhi Cell comes out with a protest release of press communique vis-a-vis the Mumbai incident of August 13, 2005. It is my earnest request to you to kindly publish this press release in our esteemed newspaper in the general interest the our region, who has at the receiving end from the recent past.

Thanking You.

K. Liankiamlou Guite,
112, Jhelum Hostel, JNU, New Delhi.



ZOMI HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION, DELHI CELL

204, Jhelum Hostel, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi - 110067,
Ph: 9818842280/9871141422
Tel. Fax: +011-51668398,
Website: www.geocities.com/zhrfoundation
Email: [email protected]

Date: August 16, 2005

The Zomi Human Rights Foundation (ZHRF), Delhi Cell unreservedly condemns the heinous act of crime committed by Uzer Patel, in which Ms. Leishichon Shaiza (23) was brutally hacked to death and her friend Ms. Ngakuimi Raleng (20) was grievously injured at Mumbai on August 13, 2005. Both the victims are hailing from Ukhrul district, Northeastern part of India. This incident is the latest in a series of unprovoked and criminal attack on persons hailing from Northeastern part of India in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai etc.

The Foundation noted with alarm over the increasing spate of attack on persons hailing from the Northeastern part of India on the one hand and the failure of the authorities to protect and safeguard the sacred rights of human beings on the other hand. Such kind of incessant outrageous attacks only testifies the lack of respect of the law of humanity and cultural relativism.

The Foundation urges the authorities to deliver speedy justice to both the victims of barbaric assault and award maximum punishment to the perpetrator of the crime. It further asks the authorities to ensure that no such crime is repeated in future, irrespective of sex, race, domicile, and place of birth and give meaning to those fundamental rights enumerated under the constitution of India as well as to the Indian Human Rights Act, 1993.

The ZHRF, Delhi Cell condoles the untimely death of Ms. Leishichon Shaiza and prays for the speedy recovery of Ms. Ngakuimi Raleng, who is recuperating in a city hospital, Mumbai. The Foundation extends its support to the Naga Students' Union, Delhi and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights in their noble, yet, challenging fight for the legitimate and humane cause of the victims. May the forces of justice and wisdom be with them!