Imphal, December 26 2009: In connection with the lynching of two Kuki youths at Nongbrang village under Yairipok police station recently, a statement issued by SSP (Thoubal) Clay Khongsai on December 24 informed that a spot inquiry was made culminating with the preliminary findings that the victims were innocent persons.

Regarding circumstances leading to the incident, the SSP said when the Nongbrang villagers were enforcing a bandh call against the extortion threats by the KNF (P) suspected activists of the KNF organisation came to disperse the bandh supporters resulting in the injury of three womenfolk of Nongbrang when the KNF cadres opened some blank rounds.

In the resultant mob fury, two Kuki youths who were on their way to Bongbal Khullen village for Christmas but stranded at Nongbrang due to the bandh, were the victims of the violent mob, the SSP's statement maintained while adding that the two Kuki youths were confirmed to be innocent victims and also students studying in Shillong.

On preventive measures, he said security personnel have been deployed at Nongbrang for the fear stricken villagers on the same the incident took place in addition to the police picking up some suspects in connection with the incident.

The statement also appealed to all to maintain peace and tranquillity.