Mizo students condemn killing of tribal agitator in anti-CAA rally

Aizawl: Mizoram’s apex and most influential student body in the state, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), on Sunday vehemently condemned the death of a tribal agitator, who was allegedly killed by illegal immigrants during a protest in Tripura against the passing of the amended Citizenship Act last week.

The students’ body also demanded punitive action against those involved in the alleged killing.

Mantrilal Kaipeng, an indigenous tribal resident of Taidu village in South Tripura district, died in a hospital after allegedly being thrashed by illegal Bangladeshi immigrants during a heated protest in Tripura.

A statement issued by MZP said that Kaipeng along with other indigenous protesters had set out for a protest called by indigenous groups under the banner of Joint Movement Against Citizenship Amendment Bill on December 11.

While they were passing through Tuisinrai village, a group of people belonging to a Bangladeshi immigrants attacked and beaten them black and blue, the statement said.

Kaipeng was rushed to GB Hospital in Agartala, where he succumbed to his injuries. “We ask the authority to nab the culprits and give them stringent punishment,” MZP said in the statement.

The students’ body also said that it stands in solidarity with the tribal communities and other indigenous groups of Northeast in their fight against the amended Citizenship Act.

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Expressing concern for the safety of Mizo students and tourists, who are stranded in several parts of the country due to protest, the MZP also asked the Mizoram government to take measure to ensure that no Mizo is hurt due to the protests.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 passed by the parliament on December 11 triggered violent protests in Northeast and several parts of the country.

The death toll in Guwahati protest rose to five after two people succumbed to their injuries in a hospital on Sunday. Home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that changes may be made in the provision of the new act if needed.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Sunday announced that it will launch a nation-wide campaign to spread awareness about the amended citizenship law.