ES Reporter

LONGDING, May 16: In an unfortunate incident, a civilian was killed and six others injured in a firing by Indian Army at Pumao village on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred when the peaceful meeting between the villagers and Army turned chaotic. The meeting was called  following the incident in which one Jimpho Wangnow of Pumao village   was picked-up in the intervening night of 15th May last by the Army (19th Sikh Regiment).  Wangnow was on his way from Church when a group of soldiers  took him to their base camp for some inquiry and started beating him blue and black causing severe injuries on his body. Later at around 12.30 AM he was allowed to go home from the base camp. 
If reports are to be believed, the army personnel (19th Sikh Regiment) who had no factual reason to explain in their defence, tried to storm out during the peace meeting which angered the villagers and they started pelting stones at the army personnel. In retaliation the Indian Army fired back at the crowded public killing one civilian identified as Lamdan Lukham while several others were injured in the incident.
“As soon as we have received the information, a team of Police along with judicial magistrate rushed to the spot", informed Superintendent of Police, Longding, B Reddy. He also added that the incident started when a peace meeting turned chaotic.
"The situation is normal as of now, and there will be a judicial inquiry on the incident," added the SP.
Wancho Students Union, Wancho Council,Wancho Culture Society and others have vehemently condemned the incident and sought a proper inquiry as well as action against the personnel involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, condemning the incident, Northeast Human Rights Organization (NEHRO) filed a complaint in the NHRC against atrocities on a civilian. NEHRO also urged the National Commission to Direct the Ministry of Defense to abide by the provisions/guidelines laid down in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 for protection of human rights in true spirit.
This daily tried to contact the office of the PRO, Ministry of Defence, Tezpur through email and WhatsApp to get comments on the issue. However, till the filing of this report, no response was received from their office.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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