Hmar community demands justice for suspected 'Custodial Deaths' of three youths in Barak Valley
Hmar community demands justice for suspected 'Custodial Deaths' of three youths in Barak Valley
On Monday, the Hmar community in the Barak Valley has raised serious concerns over the suspicious deaths of three Hmar youths, Lalbiekkung Hmar, Joshua Hmar, and Lallungawi Hmar, who died while in police custody.
They were apprehended by Assam Police on July 16, 2024, around 3:00 PM from an auto rickshaw on Kabuganj-Anjur Road, Cachar District.
According to the official statement from the Cachar Superintendent of Police, the three youths were killed in a crossfire on the morning of July 17, 2024, during a 'Special Operation' near Bhuban Hills.
The police claim that the trio, equipped with helmets and Kevlar jackets for protection, were caught in an ambush by militants.
However, the Hmar community alleges foul play, suggesting intentional and unprofessional exposure of civilians during a firefight, violating their right to security.
Video footage shared on social media appears to contradict the official account. It shows the three youths cooperating peacefully during their arrest, with no weapons found on them.
Further footage shows the unarmed youths being taken to an undisclosed location without any protective gear.
Their hands were tied behind their backs, and they were allegedly manhandled. Later photos of their lifeless, muddy, and bloody bodies at SMCH Cachar Morgue show no Kevlar or helmets, raising doubts about the police's narrative.
The Hmar community argues that the absence of protective gear and the youths being taken out of police vehicles during the alleged ambush violates safety protocols, pointing to a case of extrajudicial execution.
They demand an independent inquiry by a senior police officer from outside Assam, the suspension and prosecution of the involved police personnel, and a compensation of 1 crore rupees for each victim's family. Additionally, they call for the post-mortem of the deceased to be conducted by doctors from Mizoram.
The community seeks justice for the three youths and urges the Government of Assam to address their grievances and ensure accountability for the tragic events of July 17, 2024.
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