Leimakhong killing protested, bandh called
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 30 2008: Contending that the two youths shot dead by a combined force of Imphal West commandos and troops of 23 AR during a reported encounter at Leimakhong Mapal on December 28 were innocent civilians, a protest demonstration was staged near Tidim oil pump today.

Moreover, a joint action committee constituted in connection with the killing of S Baocha (22) s/o S Bihari of Sega Road Khwairakpam Leikai and S Gurung (24) s/o late S Ibocha of Sagolband Maisnam Nongthonbam Leikai has decided to launch indefinite bandh on Tidim Road from tomorrow.

Agitating people putting up a road block to protest at Tiddim Road

The protest demonstration staged today at Tidim Road was participated by a large number of people from Sagolband Thingom Leikai, Konjeng Hajari Leikai, Sega Road Khwairakpam Leikai, Sagolband Maisnam Leikai, Sagolband Nongthonbam Leikai, Nepram Menjor Makha Leikai, Nepram Menjor Maning Leikai and Leimajam Leikai.

According to family members, Baocha and Gurung had no relation with any UG group.

They went out in the morning of December 28 with Rs 7000 to buy steel rods.

Since the evening of the day, mobile phones of the duo had been turned.

As the two families were busy searching for the duo, they came across the newspaper report next morning about two youths who came on a motorcycle (Karizma) shot dead by security forces in an encounter.

On checking at morgue, it turned out that the two slain UG suspects were Baocha and Gurung.

Radhe, Baocha's mother, asserted that her son had no relation with any UG group.

He used to stay at home with his siblings most of the time and he seldom went out, conveyed the bereaved mother.

She also denounced the practice of pronouncing someone guilty after being murdered.

"Why didn't they kill me instead of murdering my young son whom I had been nurturing with utmost care all these years?", wailed the mother.

Baocha's younger sister cried that her brother was called a UG cadre for the Rs 7000 and mobile he had.

"Had my brother not taken the money and mobile phone with him, he would be alive today", she lamented.

After staging the protest demonstration till evening, the protesters blocked one side of Tidim Road.

They also burnt tyres on the road.