Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight memorial in remembrance of Hencieh Phom, who was arrested by Assam police and died in their custody.
The candlelight vigil attendees held signs seeking justice for Phom. Phom Students Union Kohima (PSUK) organised the protest, which was supported by tribes from eastern Nagaland. Other tribes participated in solidarity as well.35 35
35-year-old Phom, was arrested by Assam Police on August 16 from Anaki-C village in Mokokchung district, was allegedly brutally assaulted, and was imprisoned in Sivasagar district jail in Assam. On August 21, he died in custody.
N Toshi Chang, president of the Eastern Nagaland Public Union in Kohima, denounced the Assam police for the death and stated that whatever crime a person commits, a trial must be held in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Torture in custody by police has no place in society or in any democratic state.
According to the speakers, the governments of Assam and Nagaland must cooperate together and undertake a comprehensive inquiry to bring the culprits to justice. According to Molo Phom, assistant general secretary of the Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), the Assam police violated the right to life, which is a basic right granted by the Constitution.
He stated that the ENSF has filed a memorandum to the Nagaland chief secretary requesting that a special investigative team be formed promptly to investigate the incident and ensure justice for the bereaved family.
Limei Pho, president of the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation Kohima, and Manayu Phom, president of the Phnom Union Kohima (PUK), were among those who spoke at the ceremony. PUK requested a forensic inquiry to determine the cause of death.
