Army tortured students: AASU

The students were Iqbal Hussain, Ramesh Rajbangshi and Manoranjan Kalita 8212; all office bearers of the Dhamdhama Anchalik Students8217; Union which is affiliated to AASU.

Acting on the complaint, AHRC member S. Mahanta, directed the Nalbari Deputy Commission to inquire into the complaint and file a detailed report within a fortnight. Mahanta also directed Director Investigation and SP Investigation of the Commission to carry out an on-the-spot investigation and to submit a report within two weeks.

Since the state HRCs do not have jurisdiction over the Army, the AHRC has also written to the NHRC for further action. Needless to say, the Army enjoys sweeping powers to search, detain and comb under the provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 8212; in force in Assam and several other Northeastern states.

Meanwhile, AASU has complained that the Army has also been misbehaving with the civilians including senior citizens and women in remote parts of several districts in the name of counter-insurgency operations. The student body has also decided to approach the Gauhati High Court seeking redressal to their complaint against the Army.