The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex and most influential students’ organisation in Mizoram, on Sunday vehemently condemned the killing of an indigenous protester allegedly by illegal immigrants during a protest in Tripura against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act last week.

The organisation demanded punitive actions against those involved in the killing.

Mantrilal Kaipeng, an indigenous resident of Taidu village in South Tripura district, died in a hospital after being allegedly thrashed by illegal Bangladeshi migrants during a protest in Tripura.

A statement issued by the MZP said Kaipeng along with other indigenous people had set out for a protest called by the indigenous groups under the banner of the Joint Movement Against Citizenship Amendment Bill on Wednesday.

While they were passing through Tuisinrai village, a group of Bangladeshi immigrants attacked and beat them up, the statement said. Kaipeng was rushed to GB Hospital in Agartala where he succumbed to his injuries.

“We ask the authorities to nab the culprits and give them stringent punishment,” the MZP said in the statement.

The students’ organisation said it stood in solidarity with the indigenous communities and other indigenous groups of the Northeast in their protest against the act.

Expressing concern for the safety of Mizo students and tourists, who are stranded in several parts of the country due to the protests, the MZP also asked the Mizoram government to take steps to ensure that no Mizo is injured due to the protests.