Lamka, March 06 2009: The Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur has expressed it deep sense of shock and sorrow at the recent murder of three innocent non-Manipur daily wage earners at Imphal by unknown assailants and has shared the pain and anguish of the bereaved families.

In a statement, general secretary of the Society L Sadananda said that the killing of innocent non-locals who earn their livelihood by rendering much needed public services like hair cutting and other manual works will do more harm than any good to the people as it is fraught with the danger of creating bad blood among various communities living in the country.

Condemning the killings, the Society has also fervently appealed to the perpetrators of the crime to deeply introspect and stop killing hereafter in the interest of peace co-existence and harmony in our pluralistic society.

While appreciating the initiatives taken up by the State Government for protection of the non-local workers in the State from possible dangers to their lives, the Society has also deeply regretted the inordinate silence and inaction of the Government on the question of payment of ex-gratia to the bereaved families of the victims in the absence of any pressure from a JAC or any pressure group.

Accordingly, the Society has called upon the Government to pay the due ex-gratia to the bereaved families at an earlier date without any discrimination.

Phoubakchao killing flayed: A joint meeting of the staff and students of Phoubakchao High School held at the meeting hall of the school today has strongly condemned the killing of Md Azad, a student studying in class VII of the school by the Thoubal Police Commandos after being abducted from near his house on March 4. While urging all concerned to stop killing of innocent civilians, the joint meeting also decided to support the agitation being launched in protest against the killing.

Meanwhile, Phoubakchao Youth Club, Phoubakchao Makha Social Club, Phoubakchao Youth Islamic Action Association, Phoubakchao Awang Leikai Development Club, Social Development Committee, Social Rising Club, Phoubakchao and Phoubakchao Youth Development Association have also come strongly in condemnation of the killing of Md Azad.