SHILLONG, June 23: The KSU East Jaintia Hills District Unit has expressed concern over an alleged attack on locals of Kuliang village, East Jaintia Hills, by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, on the night of June 19.
The victims who were purportedly attacked and assaulted by the BSF personnel are Shanroi Lyngdoh Lynkhoi, Martina Pohshna and their 15-year-old daughter.
In a petition submitted to East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner A Baranwal, the union said that it has been reported that on the aforementioned night, individuals claiming to be BSF personnel forcefully entered the residence of Shanroi Lyngdoh Lynkhoi by breaking open the door without any uniform identification. Subsequently, it said, they launched a violent attack on the family, causing serious harm to Lynkhoi breaking his rib and physically assaulting and molesting the minor girl.
The union further stated that the three were subjected to a harrowing ordeal as these individuals brandished weapons taken from the victims own home, including an axe and a knife.
“Despite their attempts to defend themselves, they were overpowered, and Lyngkhoi sustained significant injuries, including a broken rib,” the KSU stated, adding that the assailants returned with a larger group of approximately 15 people on June 20 at around 12.30 am and further intensified the assault on Lyngkhoi.
It stated that the assailants were with a larger group and subjected the family to repeated assaults, in addition to stealing personal belongings and further harassing the victims.
The union said that the trauma inflicted upon the family, especially the young daughter, is deeply distressing and requires immediate attention and action.
“Such egregious actions by individuals purporting to represent a law enforcement agency like the BSF are deeply concerning and warrant immediate intervention. The blatant disregard for human rights, the unlawful intrusion into property, and the perpetration of physical and emotional trauma demand swift and decisive action to ensure justice and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities,” the student’s body stated.
Through its petition, which also served as a formal complaint, the students’ union sought a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct and brutality displayed by the BSF personnel.
It may however be mentioned that the BSF had earlier issued a statement countering the allegations by accusing the local villagers of facilitating the cross-border movement of Bangladeshi smugglers while alleging that an Indian woman attacked one of its personnel with an axe, resulting in an injury on his right hand.
The BSF also claimed another of its personnel sustained an injury in his left hand due to stone pelting.
