Konyak Union condemns machete attack on Mon-bound driver in Assam, seeks strict action

DIMAPUR — The Konyak Union, Mon Headquarters, on Thursday strongly condemned what it described as a “barbaric and inhuman” machete attack on a Mon-bound vehicle driver at the Jorhat Highway Bypass in Assam, and demanded that the accused be booked under the strictest provisions of the law.

In a statement received here on Friday, the union said the incident occurred on January 8, when Tahngom Konyak, the driver of a daily Sumo vehicle transporting ten passengers from Kohima to Mon via Assam, was allegedly attacked in an unprovoked manner. The accused was identified as Nayanjyoti Saikia, 38, son of late Babul Saikia.

According to the union, the victim sustained critical injuries and is currently battling for his life. It said Konyak is the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes his wife and two young children.

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Describing the incident as a grave criminal offence, the union said such acts amount to an assault on human dignity, public safety and the rule of law. It expressed concern over what it termed growing instances of violence and insecurity faced by citizens while travelling along national highways, adding that the attack has heightened fear among commuters.

The union also expressed appreciation to the Superintendent of Police, the officer-in-charge of Jorhat Police Station and their team for what it described as prompt intervention. It said the police rescued the passengers, ensured their safe return to Mon and apprehended those involved.

Demanding strong action, the Konyak Union said the perpetrator or perpetrators must not be released on bail or granted any legal leniency until justice is delivered. It cautioned that any attempt to dilute the seriousness of the case would be viewed as a failure of the justice system and an affront to the victim and the Konyak community.

The union further appealed to the people of Assam to uphold harmony and peaceful coexistence between the two states. It also called upon the Assam government and law enforcement agencies to strengthen security by enforcing round-the-clock highway patrolling, particularly along sensitive and high-traffic stretches, to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of commuters.