Biren promises ex-gratia, jobs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22 2018:
Apart from announcing ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each and suitable Government jobs for families of the two minors killed in a bomb explosion at Soubunglong (Leishok) yesterday, Chief Minister N Biren has stated that a Bomb Detection and Bomb Disposal (BDBD) Squad would be sent to sanitise the area.
Leaders of the Zeliangrong community today called on Chief Minister N Biren and submitted a joint memorandum in connection with the death of two minors and injuries inflicted upon three others by a bomb explosion at the village located within Khoupum sub-division of Noney district yesterday.
Leaders of Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), ZYF (AMN) and ZSU Khoupum Area held a meeting with the Chief Minister and their joint memorandum appealed for a thorough enquiry into the incident of bomb blast by a special investigation team and sanitise the entire area by sending bomb experts.
They also sought monetary assistance for the families of the deceased and injured victims and Government jobs for the families of the deceased minor victims.
Later speaking to media persons at JNIMS morgue, ZYF president Titus Kamei conveyed that the ChiefMinister assured to send a BDBD squad to the village to sanitise the area by January 3 0.The ChiefMinister also assured that ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each would be given to the families of the two deceased through the Noney DC and their next of kin would be given suitable Government jobs, Titus said.
Based on the report submitted by SIT after due investigation, the State Government would see whether additional assistance can be granted to the families of the two minors.
Biren further assured monetary assistance of Rs 50,000 to those who suffered critical injuries and Rs 20,000 to those who suffered minor injuries.
Chief Secretary RR Rashmi, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu and Noney DC Hungyo Worshang were also present at the meeting.
The Zeliangrong leaders who called on the Chief Minister included ZB president Athuan Abonmai, Micah Kamei and John Pamei of ZSUM and Titus Kamei of ZYF.
Notably Sahatngam Kamei (9) and Silas Kamei (5) were killed in the blast while Jaojianthuliu Kamei (2), Gailuansiu Gonmei (9) and Guiliannei Kamei (4) sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at RIMS.
The memorandum mentioned that there was gunfight among army personnel at the courtyard of former Pastor Soubunglong Baptist Church Ngamton Kamei in 2009 and the Pastor's house was badly damaged.
There were also many incidents of indiscriminate firing and harassment of civilians by the military in the village and surrounding areas, the memorandum said.
Bodies of the two deceased victims have been taken to their native village after post mortem at JNIMS today.