Candlelight vigil held for late Henveih Phom in Kohima

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Aug. 30 (EMN): The Phom Students Union Kohima (PSUK) on Tuesday evening organised a candlelight vigil for late Henveih Phom, who allegedly died in Assam Police custody on August 16 at a district jail in Sivasagar.

Addressing the programme held at Old MLA Hostel Junction, Kohima, the president of Phom Union Kohima (PUK), Dr. Manyau Phom said late Henveih Phom, who hailed from Anaki C village under Tuli subdivision of Mokokchung district, was arrested by Assam Police on August 16 afternoon while on his way to Geleky.

He was kept at Geleky Police Station and later shifted to Sivasagar on August 18 wherein his lifeless body was found on August 21 at Joysagar Civil Hospital, Sivasagar.

"Death man tells tale - death body does not lie", he said and demanded that proper forensic investigation be carried out to ascertain the cause of his actual death.

“It is extremely shocking to know that the torture and brutality inflicted on the person leading to his death was committed by none other than the law keeper themselves,” he stated, adding that the crime was an absolute violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution of India and abuse of human rights.

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Dr.  Manyau Phom also asserted that every citizen deserves the rights for fair trial in the court of law, and appealed for justice to be delivered without delay.

Further, he appealed to the government of Assam and Nagaland to provide compensation to the family members of the deceased.

Meanwhile, N Toshi Chang, President of Eastern Naga People's Union Kohima (ENPUK) condemned the Assam Police for the act. He asserted that Nagas are peace loving people and want to thrive in peace with its neighbours.

ENPUK also demanded Assam and Nagaland to work in coordination and conduct thorough investigation to deliver justice and bring back the honour of the family of the bereaved.

The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation Kohima (ENWOK), President Limei P Phom also condemned the act stating that there can be no justification for taking the life of a person while demanding justice for the case.

A speech was also delivered by Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) assistant general secretary, Molo and the president of Phom Students Union Kohima (PSUK) president, Manngai Phom.