Cachar District, Assam, July 18, 2024 — The Hmar Students Association (HSA), Joint Headquarters Delhi, has vehemently condemned the alleged custodial deaths of three individuals in Assam’s Cachar district. The deceased—Lallungawi Hmar, Lalbiekkung Hmar, and Joshua—were village volunteers purportedly defending Kuki-Zomi-Hmar villages against alleged Meitei militants. Detained by Assam police on July 16, 2024, their deaths have sparked outrage and calls for justice.
In a press statement, the HSA expressed profound sorrow and indignation over what it describes as an egregious violation of human rights, demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The association highlighted discrepancies in the statements issued by the Assam police, calling for clarity and accountability.
According to the Cachar police, the three individuals were intercepted near Ganganagar part-VI while traveling in an autorickshaw. Police claimed to have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel rifle, a pistol, and live ammunition from the detainees. During interrogation, the detainees allegedly disclosed the presence of additional militants