CM assures prompt action on murder of Pushpa Basnet
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 19 2012:
Chief Minister O Ibobi has assured the JAC Against the Murder of Pushpa Devi Basnet that befitting actions would be initiated within three days after ascertaining the facts and circumstances under which Pushpa died.
Following the assurance, family members claimed the corpse of Pushpa and her last rites were performed today.
General secretary of the JAC KB Tamang conveyed that the Chief Minister gave his assurance to take up due actions within three days after identifying the killer(s) .
In addition, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the JAC that ex-gratia would be given to the bereaved family as applicable under law, and a police officer not below the rank of SDPO would investigate into the death of Pushpa.
Sekmai AC MLA Khwairakpam Devendro was also present during the meeting between the JAC and the Chief Minister this morning.
"We claimed the corpse of Pushpa and performed her last rites based on the assurance of the Chief Minister", Tamang said.
Intense agitation of various sorts would be launched again if necessary actions are not initiated against the culprit(s) within three days, he warned.
As the JAC came to an understanding with the Chief Minister at the end of the meeting, blockade on NH 2 was lifted since 7 am today.
Even as the blockade was lifted, a large number of people squatted on one side of the highway in protest against the murder of Pushpa Basnet.
They held placards which read "Punish the culprit", "Ingo should be hung in public", "Lawful justice to Pushpa Basnet", "We want peace in Manipur", "Stop violence against girl and women" etc.
At about 3 pm, the corpse was taken to Kanglatongbi crematorium together with a big procession where the last rites were performed in accordance to Nepali tradition.
Meanwhile, the Gorkha Welfare Youth Club has condemned the murder in the strongest term.
Rejecting the claim that Pushpa had affairs with Khumanthem Ingo (29) s/o Apabi of Maharabi Maning Leikai, Pushpa's family asked why Pushpa was not taken to hospital together with Ingo if they actually consumed poison together.