Tamenglong, June 8: The Joint Tribes Students’ Association (JTSA), comprising the AISU, LNKRM, RNSOM, and ZSOM, has strongly condemned the killing of Shri Chungjang Panmei, 57, a village authority member of Pongringlong-I, alleging that he was killed by cadres of the Kuki National Front (Progressive) [KNF(P)].
In a press statement issued on Monday, JTSA described the incident as a tragic loss of an innocent civilian and expressed deep anguish over the continued violence targeting villagers in the region.
According to the association, Chungjang Panmei and his colleagues had gone to collect firewood and repair damaged water pipelines when the incident occurred. JTSA alleged that the pipelines had previously been cut and damaged during operations carried out by armed Kuki groups.
The student body further claimed that the killing was preceded by a drone reconnaissance operation allegedly conducted by the 19 Assam Rifles in the area on May 6 and 7. JTSA alleged that the operation effectively cleared routes that were later used by armed KNF(P) cadres to infiltrate Naga villages.
Highlighting a series of recent incidents, JTSA stated that the killing was not an isolated case. The association referred to the killing of three Thadou pastors between Kotlen and Kotzim on May 13, the ambush on civilians that reportedly claimed the life of Wilson Thanga of Dolang Chiru village, and the abduction and murder of six Liangmai Naga civilians, including a religious leader from Konshakhul village.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as the failure of authorities to ensure the safety of civilians despite the ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups. It also questioned the conduct of certain central security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, alleging that their actions appeared inconsistent with their constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens impartially.
“Security forces are trained to defend the sovereignty and integrity of India and to protect every citizen without fear or favour. We are compelled to ask why civilian lives continue to be lost while partisan interests appear to prevail,” the statement said.
Calling for accountability, JTSA urged the Government of India and the Assam Rifles to uphold their constitutional obligations and ensure justice for victims. The association demanded an impartial inquiry into the events of May 6 and 7 and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The association warned that continued inaction could force affected communities to seek legal remedies and draw wider national and international attention to the situation.
JTSA also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family of Chungjang Panmei and reaffirmed its solidarity with them during their time of grief.
“We do not seek confrontation. We seek justice. Let the protectors protect, and let the law prevail,” the statement concluded.
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