Alleged Encounter in Assam: Families Demand Justice for 'Extrajudicial' Deaths

Families of three slain Hmar youths, killed in an alleged encounter with Assam police, call for a probe into their deaths, claiming human rights violations. Police maintain the deceased were militants with a history of terrorism. The Hmar community urges NHRC to investigate the incident.

An alleged encounter in Assam's Cachar district, resulting in the deaths of three Hmar youths, has sparked calls for justice from their families, who allege human rights violations. The incident occurred on July 17, leading to the deaths of Lallungawi Hmar, Lalbikung Hmar, and Joshua.

DGP GP Singh mentioned that Lalbikung had a previous record of terrorism, having been arrested on June 4, 2019, for possessing arms and ammunition. Despite this, the families filed a police complaint on Friday, urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Hmar Inpui, the community's apex body, termed the killings a violation of human rights and has called on the NHRC to take suo motu cognisance of the deaths.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supported the police's actions, stating the deceased were militants preparing for subversive activities. He noted that weapons were seized during the operation.