Condemnations over custodial death pour in
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 31 2019:
Strongly condemning the custodial death of police Constable (suspended) Md Manjur Ahmad, the All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) has demanded the State Government to hand over the investigation of the case to an independent Central investigating agency at the earliest.
Speaking to media persons at AMMOCOC office at Hafiz Hatta today, its president SM Jalal Sheikh said that Manjur's custodial death is an unfortunate incident and one which is definitive of a lawless place/ region.
Stating that AMMOCOC is deeply concerned over the custodial death, he demanded the State Government to hand over the investigation to an independent Central investigation agency and to punish all those involved, including police personnel, as per the law.
Pointing out that mere announcement of suspension of some police personnel and assurance to initiate magisterial inquiry will not suffice, Jalal cautioned that until and unless AMMOCOC's demand is met, the association will not hold any talk with the Government.
The association will also fully support every step taken up by the JAC formed in connection with the death of Manjur, he added.
Imphal East district police Constable Md Manjur Ahamad (34) s/o (L) Basir of Yairipok Ningthounai (presently staying at Hatta), died in police custody yesterday.
He had been suspended on March 12 following charges that he conspired with KCP Mangal leader Thokchom Nando.
After Nando escaped from JNIMS hospital on March 26, Manjur was arrested by police the next day and he was to be produced before the Court tomorrow.
SM Jalal claimed that when Nando escaped, Manjur was at home as he was suspended which shows that he was not involved in the conspiracy.
Manjur was arrested on March 27 but he died while still in police custody, which raises many questions, he said, appealing to the people and the CSOs of the State to work together to bring justice to Manjur.
It may be mentioned that the Deputy Secretary (Home) issued an order yesterday directing a magisterial inquiry to be launched into the case and to submit the report within a month.
On the other hand, DGP Manipur also issued an order yesterday suspending Inspector T Sanatomba of CID (SB) in connection with the death of Manjur.
On the other hand, Popular Front of India has also strongly condemned the incident and has demanded befitting punishment of the police personnel involved in the death of Md Manjur Ahamad.
A press release issued by the PRO of Popular Front of India, Manipur State today mentioned that Manjur, before becoming a police Constable, was a social activist and claimed that he was well known by the Muslim communities all over Manipur.
Expressing shock at the custodial death of Manjur, the association demanded an immediate and fair investigation into the matter and vowed to fully support all steps taken up by the JAC.
Stating that it has made necessary preparations to launch intense agitation with the people, it demanded the State Government to solve the issue at the earliest for the sake of of justice.
Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) has also strongly condemned the custodial death of Md Manjur Ahamad.
A press release issued by the association further demanded the State Government to do the needful at the earliest and to punish the involved personnel as per the law.
The All Manipur Muslims (Meitei Pangal) Welfare Association (AMMPWA) has also strongly condemned the custodial death of Md Manjur and demanded the State Government to take up immediate steps to deliver justice to the family of the victim.
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