Imphal, July 12: Contending that the two KLA suspects who were killed last night by a combined force of Imphal East Police Commandos and personnel of 115 BSF during an encounter at Sanjenbam Chinglak (Top Yaralpat Mathak) under Lamlai Police Station of Imphal East District were innocent persons, a JAC has been forced and steps taken up to impose an indefinite general strike with effect from 6 pm tomorrow to protest.

The two persons who were killed in the incident have been identified as Thangtinsei Haokip (31) s/o late Letkhai of K Hengjang village of Saikul Sub-division in Senapati district but staying at New Lambulane of Imphal East and Limlenbert alias Bertneo Hangshing (22) s/o Khup-milien of new Lambulane.

In protest against their killing, a JAC has been formed with Rose Mangshi Haokip as its chairperson.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at the office of New Lambulane Welfare Committee here today, Rose Mangshi said both the slain persons were innocent who had no connection of any sort with any underground organisation.

Therefore the excesses committed by the State Police Commandos deserve strongest condemnation and they should be given befitting punishment, she added.

Refuting the police claim, the family members also clarified that Thangtinsei was a student of LMS Law College, Imphal and Bertneo was not only a footballer of Kuki Sporting Club but also the information secretary of a local club called Tribal Youth Club.

Demanding that the State Government institute a judicial inquiry to probe the incident, Rose Mangshi demanded that while the investigation is being carried out, the involved commandos should be suspended from service.

A memorandum to this effect has also been submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today, she disclosed.

In case the Government fails to give a positive response to these demands within 2 pm of July 13, then the JAC would call an indefinite general strike with effect from 6 pm of the same day, Rose Mangshi declared.

Education and essential services would be, however, exempted from the purview of the proposed general strike, she added.

The bodies of Thangtinsei and Bertneo are still lying at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital.

The JAC has refused to take back the bodies until its demands are granted.

Meanwhile, decrying the killing, Kuki Women Union, Manipur; Kuki Students' Organisation, General Headquarters and New Lambulane Welfare Committee have announced their decision of extending full support to the cause of JAC.