Phom Union Kohima and Chang Union Dimapur condemn the shooting of labourer Langshi Chang at Chiechama.
DIMAPUR — The Phom Union Kohima (PUK) and the Chang Union Dimapur (CUD) have condemned the alleged shooting of Langshi Chang, son of late Daming Chang and a resident of Chendang Saddle village in Tuensang district, at Chiechama village under Kohima district on September 16.
According to an update, Langshi, who was engaged as a daily-wage labourer at the construction site of the Government Primary Health Centre (PHC), was allegedly shot at with a .22 calibre country-made rifle at around 11 am.
The PUK stated that it views the incident as extremely serious and a grave threat to the safety and dignity of workers.
The PUK stated that according to the victim and his fellow labourers, the alleged shooting was preceded by repeated acts of intimidation, including the pelting of stones and concrete blocks, as well as verbal threats warning the labourers to stop work at the site if they valued their lives and safety.
Calling the alleged use of a firearm against an unarmed labourer in broad daylight a matter of serious concern, the union demanded an immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation, stating that no person should be subjected to threats, intimidation, or violence merely for carrying out lawful employment.
The union stressed that every worker has the right to work in a safe environment and return home safely. It stated that the contractor concerned and the responsible department must ensure adequate safety and security arrangements at construction sites, particularly where workers face threats or interference from third parties.
The union urged the authorities concerned to examine whether adequate safety measures were in place at the site and fix responsibility wherever negligence or failure of duty is established.
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Noting that Chang is reportedly the sole breadwinner of his family, the PUK highlighted that the injuries sustained have not only caused immense physical suffering but have also placed his family under severe financial and livelihood distress.
The union appealed to law enforcement agencies and the state government to investigate the incident thoroughly, register and pursue an appropriate criminal case under relevant provisions of law, identify all persons responsible, and ensure the investigation is conducted fairly, promptly, and transparently.
It further expected the prosecution to be pursued strictly in accordance with law and due process, while leaving all matters relating to bail and other judicial proceedings to the competent court.
Standing in solidarity with the victim, his family, and the Chang community, the PUK appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and allow the law to take its course, while praying for his speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the Chang Union Dimapur (CUD) expressed deep shock and outrage over the violent attack and strongly denounced the act, stating that it posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the innocent public in general.
The union stated that it stands in absolute solidarity with the victim and prayed for his speedy recovery.
The union expressed pain over the act committed against the victim, who is a daily wage earner looking after his widowed mother and family members who completely depend on him.
Terming the act not just an attack on one individual but an assault on the peace, safety, and democratic values of the entire community, the CUD appealed to law enforcement agencies to deliver justice without delay under the provisions of law.