Imphal, February 09 2009: Refuting the police claim, the family members of two youths, who were killed by a combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos and personnel of 12 Maratha Light Infantry during a reported encounter at Ngairangbam under Patsoi Police Station last night, have asserted that both of them were innocent persons having no connection with any UG groups and they have gone out from home together to purchase a second hand two-wheeler.

According to family members, the two slain youths identified as Naorem Bobo (22) s/o N Satya of Luker Mayai Leikai and Ningombam Niranjan (22) s/o N Tomba of Luker Maning Leikai, have gone out from home together at around 2 pm yesterday in connection with purchasing a second hand two wheeler for Bobo.

On hearing of sound of gun shoots at Ngairangbam at around 7 pm yesterday and as they did not return home even after dark, the worried family members tried to contact them on the mobile phone they have carried.

But it was switched off.

Local people also joined the family members in searching for the two missing youths till late into the night.

However, after reading the newsreport published in the newspapers today morning, mentioned of the registration no of the Pulser motor bike (MN0-2080) that had carried and the description of the deceased cased suspicion in the minds of the family members.

Their worst fear and suspicion was confirmed when some local persons who are in the Police Department were contacted.

In protest against the killing, a public meeting was held at the office of Luker Youth Development Club at Luker Mayai Leikai today afternoon.

Along with constituting a Joint Action Committee (JAC), the meeting has also adopted various resolutions.

The demands of the JAC include institution of a judicial inquiry into the incident and punishment of the police commandos involved in the killing.

Giving three days as deadline for considering the demands, the JAC has also warned of launching various intense agitation against the Government if the said demands were not fulfilled.

The JAC has also decided not to take back the bodies until fulfilment of these demands.

Mother of slain Bobo informed that her son was working as salesman in a grocery shop of one Rajgopal Sharma at Ngari Gulli of Khwairamband Bazar.

He used to go to the shop at 7.30 am every day and returned home at 7.30 pm.

There was not a single day in which he failed to return home, the heartbroken mother added.

On the other hand, slain Niranjan was said to be construction worker.

When both of left home yesterday, Bobo had carried with him Rs 3,000 and had told his family members that he would be taking Rs 20,000 from one of his brothers staying at Langjing for purchasing a second hand two-wheeler.