Imphal, June 14 2009: Even as a delegation of the JAC formed in connection with the murder of Yengkhom Krishnadas of Kakching Sumak Leikai has been assured by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh that the culprits involved in the case would be punished, State police are equally confident of a positive breakthrough in solving the case at the earliest.

The Chief Minister, who is also in charge of the home portfolio is said to have assured the JAC delegation that the culprits would be apprehended within a day or two.

A JAC representative said following commitment of the CM at the meeting held this evening, an earlier public meeting resolution to suspend the general strike from tomorrow has been reaffirmed.

The JAC team also handed over a memorandum to the CM demanding that the culprits be arrested within a week and for the government to take all possible measures to ensure such heinous crimes do not recur in the State.

JAC sources also claimed of observing wound most likely to be of bullet injury on the calf area of the victim's right leg.

With a woman suspect already in their custody the Police Department is brimming with confidence of unravelling, within a day or two, the brutal murder case of Y Krishnadas Singh.

According to a top police department source, the investigation in the murder of the 42 year old contractor is progressing in the 'right direction' and that identities of the real culprit/s will be established sooner than later.

Declining to divulge details on motive of the murder or possibility of personal/professional rivalry costing the life of the contractor, the source reminded that any disclosure on findings of the ongoing investigation might jeopardise the ongoing investigation.

mention may be made that one Seram Ashalata of Tera Sayang Leirak was arrested yesterday in connection with the case and subsequently has been remanded to police custody upto June 19 .

Prior to deputing the JAC team for meeting the CM, a public meeting held at Kakching Bazar resolved to urge the State Government to do the needful in arresting and punishing the murderers within a week's time.

The public meeting with nearly 3000 people in attendance and presided by MLAs Y Surchandra Singh (Kakching) and Dr Usham Deben (Wabagai) as well as United Committee Manipur (UCM) vice president Nabachandra also resolved to suspend the general strike call for a week with effect from tomorrow and to claim body of Krishnadas for completing religious rites.

However, other forms of democratic agitation such as sit-in-protests and protest rallies would continue.

Decision to relax the general strike is informed to be in connection with the forthcoming observance of the public movement of June 18, 2001 against the extension of the Indo-Naga ceasefire agreement to Manipur as well as taking into account the CM's assurance for positive action.

Speaking on the occasion, the victim's wife Bimola Devi said she would not insist on extra-gratia payment or Government job but demanded that the culprit/s should be nabbed and punished accordingly.

MLA surchandra opined that with a woman suspect already in police custody delay in arresting the other perpetrators is not justifiable.

Meanwhile, a JAC release issued today questioned compatibility of security forces besides describing intelligence network as unconvincing.

While contending that Krishnadas was shot and injured at the right leg before being taken away by the captors, the release further opined that no individual or group involved in the murder clarifying on the matter had been confusing the public and creating unnecessary tension.

While appealing to the civil society organisations to contribute their mite in nabbing the culprits, the JAC also called upon all to extend cooperation in maintaining cordiality in the multi-ethnic society.