Death of S Prashanta Bandh on NH-2 continues, many cry for justice, sanity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2016: The JAC constituted against the death of Sagolsem Prashanta of Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai has decided to continue their bandh clamped on NH-2 between Singjamei and Lilong bridge indefinitely.

In a statement issued late in the evening, the JAC said that the decision was taken as the JAC and locals of Kakwa and adjoining localities could not get the desired positive outcome from the meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi.

Earlier in the day, a public meeting was held at Beni Leirak community hall.

The meeting observed that the State Government, organisations of Lilong and their executives must be held responsible for the death of Prashanta.

It was further decided in the meeting that the organisations of Lilong Haoreibi must punish the culprits involved in the murder of Prashanta.

The participants of the meeting also unanimously resolved to take stern action against the organisations of Lilong and its leaders if they fail to find out the killers and take up necessary steps to check anti-social elements at the earliest.

Road block around singjamei area

It was also resolved in the meeting to press the Government to punish the killers befittingly and do the needful for the family of the deceased.

It may be mentioned that Sagolsem Prashanta alias Abung (24) was found hung to death at Lilong Haoreibi Awang Leikai yesterday morning.

Expressing strong suspicion that Prashanta was hung after he was murdered, Kakwa locals have been blocking NH-2 after forming a JAC against the incident since yesterday.

Meanwhile, the JAC and family members submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi urging him to arrest the culprits.

A large number of people marched towards the Chief Minister's official residence from Kakwa in the form of a rally to submit the memorandum.

They were however blocked at Singjamei Chingamakhong by police.

Later, some selected leaders were permitted to meet the Chief Minister and submit the memorandum.

Meanwhile, Popular Front of India, Manipur has urged the State Government to investigate the matter and spell out the details of the incident to the public.

Speaking to reporters at their Lilong office, front vice-president Mufti Arshad Hussain said that the incident requires immediate investigation as the youth was found dead at a locality which is dominated by the people of another religion.

Condoling Prashanta's death deeply, Mufti Arshad Hussain said that the front also shares the grief of the bereaved family.

Popular Front of India, Manipur, organisations and people of Lilong would extend cooperation in tracing the killers if it is ascertained that Prashanta was actually murdered, he said.

He also urged the concerned to collectively investigate the incident after the actual circumstances of Prashanta's death is ascertained.

Arshad Hussain also urged the people of the State to find the ways for maintaining sanity and restoring harmony.

He further said that the front had resolved to press the Government to hand over the cases of Lilong Haoreibi and Mayang Imphal to a Central Government investigating agency.

The front also resolved to demand the State Government to set up a crime control agency, Hussain said.

He said that other decisions taken by the front include urging the Government to arrest and punish the persons who sell intoxicants at Lilong and taking up necessary steps to banish such persons from the community.

All Manipur Muslim Organisation Co-ordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) condoled Prashanta's demise.

In a statement, the organisation urged the public not to spread rumours on social networking sites.

The organisation further said that it would be good for all if the police spell out the details of the incident after a thorough investigation.

The organisation would extend full co-operation to the Government authorities and civil society organisations in bringing justice, it added.