The Worst Night: A Brutal Assault on MS in Munirka, Delhi | Bruce K. Thangkhal

MARCH 2, 2011 was the worst and most troubling night for many members of the Zou community in Munirka. MS was allegedly attacked by two men from Manipur — Sana (31) and Asem Tangkhul (30) — on that fateful night at around 8 PM while he was peacefully having dinner in his room.

The two accused entered MS’s room politely and started a friendly conversation. Since MS already knew them, he thought they were friends and continued eating while they talked.

However, things suddenly turned violent. What started as a casual meeting ended in horror when Sana and Asem viciously assaulted MS. The ‘friendly’ chat became a brutal attack. The two men beat MS badly, leaving him half-dead and bleeding in his room.

Fortunately, MS managed to escape. Although he was being punched and hit wildly for 5–10 minutes, he ran out and called Mr. Ginlun, a well-known braveheart. Ginlun and Mr. Thangboi (Zoukhanthang @ ZKT) rushed to the scene. They found MS soaked in blood. Ginlun then called Mr. Papau Samte for help. Furious, Ginlun entered MS’s room to retaliate, but the attackers had already fled.

MS was immediately taken to Dayal Hospital, Munirka. Meanwhile, Mr. Suanlal went out to buy paper for writing the FIR.

Under the support of Ginlun, ZKT, Papau Samte, and Suanlal, MS was brought to the Vasant Vihar Police Station. The police instructed them to take MS to Safdarjung Hospital for a medical check-up. Mr. Kamlianlal (MPhil student) and Mr. Kamminthang (PhD scholar) from JNU also joined. The group took MS to Safdarjung Hospital for the MLC (Medico-Legal Case), accompanied by a police constable.

The next morning, Operation Hunt began. MS and four others — GL, PPS, ZKT, and SL — searched every corner of Munirka. They found and handed over Hegin (a friend of Sana) to the police. He was interrogated for the attackers' whereabouts.

In the evening, MS called Papau Samte for help again. Together, they began “Operation Hunt-II.” At around 8:30 PM, they spotted Sana and Asem near Rosang restaurant. The two accused were surrounded between two buildings. MS jumped on Sana, attacking him as revenge. Papau grabbed Asem, who tried to escape. MS hit Sana so hard that he started bleeding. A crowd gathered, and Sana began crying loudly to gain sympathy.

The crowd turned against MS. Some held him by the neck. Papau, still holding Asem, acted as mediator. He managed to control the angry mob and kept peace by explaining the situation:

“These are the men who attacked MS last night. Look at his injuries!”

Eventually, the crowd calmed. Ginlun and ZKT arrived. Unaware of the tension, ZKT slapped Sana, which angered the crowd again. However, Ginlun managed to calm everyone down. A policeman soon arrived, and Sana was taken to the police station.

Surprisingly, Asem escaped during the commotion despite Papau’s efforts.

March 3 – “Operation Hunt-III” began under MS's guidance with Mr. T. Upau, Mr. Robert, and Mr. Green (GSL). They caught Asem roaming freely around 11 AM and handed him to the police.

At 8:36 PM, a ZLT reporter contacted Ved Prakash, SHO, Vasant Vihar P/S. He confirmed that a case was registered under IPC Sections 107/151 and both accused were arrested. The police were waiting for the MLC report.

March 4 – The reporter visited the Vasant Vihar Police Station at 3:45 PM. Sana and Asem were present. The police were still processing the case.

Asem (James Chuimeisem), the eldest of three siblings, is the son of a former SDO in Ukhrul. A BA (English) graduate from Bangalore University (2004), he came to Delhi for competitive exams but got addicted to drugs. “I’m sorry I accompanied Sana that night. I want to apologize to MS,” he said.

Sana (Siban), a father of two children (aged 3 and 5), is the son of a late SDC officer. He admitted:

“We were friends. The incident was caused by a sudden outburst of anger. I regret it and ask MS for forgiveness.”

MS’s wife, Mrs. Khumi, arrived in Delhi after many years to take care of her husband. She was seen cleaning the room and attending to his needs.

ZSP President Khaibiaklian said, “Living alone is not safe. When we’re alone, no one fears us. Safety is a major concern now.”

Zou women — Nu Vungneiching (wife of Khakhai Zou), Nu Ching (wife of SK Mung), and a friend — along with Pastor Lalpu and a community nurse, also visited MS.

On March 2 night, when the complaint was lodged, ZYO Delhi President Pu Khaikhai, UZO Delhi Secretary Pu Hauliankap, and ZSP members gathered at the police station. UZO President Philip Mangkang and veteran leader K. Zou (now an advocate) also supported the case.

“I thought heaven fell on my head,” said MS, recalling the attack.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
New Delhi | 11 March 2011

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