16 CSOs, 6 student bodies protest Abonmai's murder
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2021:
Condemning the brutal murder of Zeliangrong Baudi advisor and former president Athuan Abonmai, as many as 16 civil society organisations and six student bodies staged protest demonstrations at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai community hall and Kwakeithel today.
In collaboration with the JAC Against the Brutal Murder of Athuan Abonmai, members of AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, NIPCO, Tammi Chingmi, EECHAL, Thoubal Ima, ANUL, NIMPAL, Nongpok Leingak, UPF, CADA, AMSU, Mapi Council, UPACO staged a sit-in-protest at Leimajam Leikai from 11 am onward.
They put up placards and banners which read as "We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Athuan Abonmai", "Deliver justice to Athuan Abonmai", "Punish the murderers of Athuan Abonmai" and "Enforce laws in hill areas of Manipur".
Speaking to media persons by the sideline of the protest demonstration, AMKIL president in-charge L Nganbi categorically stated that the issue of Athuan Abonmai's murder cannot be resolved by pulling up a few supporters of NSCN (IM) who reside in the valley.
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Athuan Abonmai was one civil leader who saw hill people and valley people as brothers and constantly espoused the idea of unity among all the indigenous communities.
He also pointed out the truth and the real motive behind the Bill drafted by the Hill Areas Committee.
There is a strong suspicion among many sections of the society that Athuan Abonmai was eliminated under a conspiracy with NSCN (IM) to root out all such civil leaders, Nganbi alleged.
She went on to ask if the Government of India's total indifference to the brutal murder of Athuan Abonmai should be seen as New Delhi's concern for Manipur.
She asserted that the truth cannot be suppressed by killing Athuan Abonmai.
The Government of India has literally sold off Manipur to the NSCN (IM) by restraining its military forces from taking any action when NSCN (IM) cadres opened their camp in Tamenglong and elsewhere in the State, and collect 'taxes' openly, she said.
It is a matter of grave concern that the Ministers and the MLAs of the State have been maintaining a stoic silence against such attitude of the Government of India, she said.
All those who conspired to eliminate Athuan Abonmai including those directly involved in murdering the social worker should be booked and awarded exemplary punishment, demanded the AMKIL president in-charge.
She pledged that all the 16 CSOs who gathered there today would extend full support to any course of action decided by the JAC Against the Killing of Athuan Abonmai.
On the other hand, volunteers of AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, AIMS and SUK stood in long rows on the side of Tiddim Road at Kwakeithel and protested against the murder of Abonmai.
AMSU vice-president L Athouba told media that the State Government had no qualms in arresting and invoking National Security Act (NSA) against any person who posted anything critical of the Government on social media.
But it is rather shameful that the Government is still unable to book those people who murdered a social leader who tirelessly advocated hill-valley unity after he was abducted from the venue of a mega function which was attended by Chief Minister N Biren himself and many of his Cabinet Ministers.
Athouba then urged the Government to book all the culprits immediately and take up necessary measures to address the issue of lawlessness in the hill areas of Manipur.
He said that the six student bodies would carry on different forms of agitation until and unless all the culprits involved in the murder of Athuan Abonmai are awarded exemplary punishment.
Notably, Athuan Abonmai was abducted by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres from the venue of a public function held at Polo Ground, Tamenglong district headquarters on September 22 which was attended by the Chief Minister himself and Abonmai was found murdered at Pallong village in Tamei sub-division on the same day.