Silchar, June 11, 2025: In a troubling incident reported from Silchar, two Hmar women were allegedly harassed by an auto driver on June 10, 2025, at around 8:36 AM near Mission Compound, Cachar, Assam.
The victims, identified as Pi Remsiem from Lower Thenzo and Pi Ngurthankim (@Nguri) from Hmarkhawlien, both vegetable vendors, were reportedly targeted without provocation by a man identified as Chandan, an auto driver. He allegedly blocked their path with his vehicle, threw away their vegetables, and verbally threatened them while appearing to be intoxicated. His actions caused fear and alarm in the area.
Dr. Vanlallien Pulamte, President, Hmar National Union was informed of the incident and promptly alerted the concerned authorities. A 48-second video recording of the confrontation, which captured Chandan’s aggressive behavior, has been submitted as evidence to support the case.
Condemning the incident, Dr. Pulamte questioned the apparent targeting of the women and raised concerns over selective enforcement:
“If Chandan was acting under a traffic order, why did he single out Hmar women? If no such order exists, this is clearly harassment disguised as enforcement,” he stated, calling for swift and impartial action from authorities.
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This incident echoes a similar case on June 22, 2024, where another Hmar woman, Pi Ruthi of Hmarkhawlien, was harassed and physically assaulted by a non-local man at Rongpur Madhura Phool Point. The assailant reportedly demanded money and attacked her. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Dr. Pulamte, then Officer-in-Charge of Rongpur Police Outpost, leading to a police inquiry.
The recurring nature of such incidents has raised alarm in the Hmar community. Community leaders are now calling for greater protection of women, especially from tribal and minority communities, in public spaces. They emphasize the need for prompt justice and thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
