Bodies condemn Chunthuigai Kamei killing
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 20, 2012:
Condemning the 'cold-blooded murder' of its former member Chunthuigai Kamei, who is the secretary, Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM) on August 17 by suspected NSCN-K cadres, ZSUD and ZWAD have demanded the NSCN-(K) to tender an unconditional apology to the bereaved family and the Zeliangrong people/civil society if it expects to receive any more trust, confidence or cooperation of the Zeliangrong public.
A joint statement of the ZWAD and ZSUD also demanded the NSCN-K to award befitting and exemplary punishment to the erring cadres for such high-handed actions as per Zeliangrong Customary Laws within the time frame spelt out in the Three Resolutions adopted by the Public Meeting held at Longmai (Noney) on August, 18, 2012. Expressing deep shock over the sudden loss of such a bright and promising student leader at the hands of some trigger-happy people who claim to work for the cause of the people but have no qualm in arbitrarily snuffing out innocent lives, the joint statement said the untimely passing away of Chunthuigai Kamei is not only a loss to his family, it is also a big blow to the peaceful and democratic students' movement in Zeliangrong Naga society.
The statement also pointed out that it is unfortunate on the part of the NSCN-K to attempt to malign the good image of the slain student leader with post-facto rationalization that 'Chunthuigai Kamei had been warned earlier not to interact with other rival factions.' As a frontal organization ZSUM and its leaders like Chunthuigai Kamei had been in the frontline of the conflict zone in Zeliangrong Region since the last many years trying to bring peace and harmony amongst the embattled Naga factional groups.
On many occasions Chunthuigai Kamei and his team had also been in the forefront in collecting and escorting the mortal remains of the various fallen Naga cadres who became victims of the factional clashes to their respective villages and hometowns, the statement said.
The ZSUD and ZWAD also urged ZSUM, AZSU (AMN) and Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) to initiate the task of setting up a Memorial Park in memory of Chunthuigai Kamei somewhere around the National Highway 53 where people can pay tribute to the departed young leader and also serve as a source of inspiration to Zeliangrong youth who has aspirations to serve the public as student leaders.
Meanwhile, the Liangmei Naga Katimai Ruangdi (MN) has also strongly condemned the act of killing Chunthuigai Kamei and Jenao Gonmei in the evening of August 16 at Nungkao village, Tousem subdivision in Tamenglong district.
A statement issued by Angambou Chawang, vice-president of LNKR has appealed all UG groups operating within Zeliangrong area to shun violence, factional rivalries and stop hostile arm confrontation and fratricidal killings among the Zeliangrong brethren.
The LNKR has also conveyed solidarity to the bereaved families.