Probe panel formed, cops suspended/terminated; many condemn
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 23 2021: The Directorate General of Police has constituted a three-member committee of top police officers to enquire into the incident leading to the abduction and subsequent killing of Zeliangrong Baudi former president Athuan Abonmai on Wednesday even as the home department placed 11 police personnel under suspension and terminated the service of a VDF member in connection with the incident while many civil society, political, human rights and students' organisations condemned the murder.

According to an order issued by DGP LM Khaute on Thursday, the committee comprises IGP (Int) K Radheshyam Singh as chairman, while DyIG Range-II K Kabib and DyIG Range-IV Kamei Angam Romanus are the members.

The Committee will also enquire whether there were any lapses in the security arrangements, fix responsibilities and suggest measures to prevent any such incidents in future.

The Committee may co-opt any other police officer for assistance and submit its report within one week without fail, the order mentioned.

Following the assassination of Athuan Abonmai after abduction from Tamenglong DHQ in front of security personnel just before chief minister N Biren arrived to attend Go to Hills programme on Wednesday, the state police department has suspended the service of 12 police personnel including OC of Tamenglong police station and terminated service of a VDF jawan on the charge of dereliction of duty and grave misconduct.

The suspended police personnel are inspector Thaimei Dominique Gaiphun-lung, OC of Tamenglong police station; ASI Kh Sakhamba of Tamenglong Reserve Line; head constable G Dimthuilung of Reserve Line (traffic); head constable Guangching of Tamenglong PS; constable Meijinlung of Tamenglong PS; constable recruit Irabanta of Tamenglong PS; constable recruit Ibungo of Tamenglong PS; constable recruit Chunthuingam of Tamenglong PS; rifleman Kadithong of 5th MR Khongjaron; havildar G Namsilung of 5th MR; rifleman Nambi-lung Gangmei of 5th MR and havildar P Dinkhetlak of 5th MR .

The VDF jawan, whose service has been terminated following the incident, is Ataluwang of Reserve Line (traffic) .

Various CSOs, student bodies and others including All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), United Committee Manipur (UCM), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Liangmai Pui Naga Ruangdi, CPI Manipur State Council, Naga Hoho, Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR), Liangmai Naga Council of Eastern Zone (LNC-EZ), Eastern Liangmai Chief Chairman Association (ELCCA), Ahangruak Chief Chairman Association (ACCA), Joint Tribes Council (Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights- South sector (NPMHR-S), Lamlaba villagers, Zelian-grong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM), Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagalang, Naga People's Front (NPF), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Zeliangrong Students' Union, Delhi (ZSUD) and Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi (ZWAD) have strongly condemned the kidnapping and brutal killing of Athuan Abonmai on Wednesday in Tamenglong district.

In separate releases, the organisations questioned the state government how despite heavy deployment of security personnel for the CM's 'Go to Hills' programme unknown gunmen abducted Athuan Abonmai.

They also demanded that the killers must disclose to the public the reason behind the murder of Abonmai, while adding that the government must find the culprits involved in the kidnapping and murder and punish them under law at the earliest.

The organisations also shared the grief of the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace in the heavenly abode.

The organisations also emphasised that every "political group" must not forget to respect the people's sentiments to avoid killings, kidnapping or unnecessary harassment to the innocent public.

They further stated that the need of the hour is reconciliation among the divided society to resolve the common issue at the earliest for the better future.

Everyone has the freedom of opinion and expression.

In civilised society, any individual and organisation is expected to respect the fundamental rights of citizens, the releases further asserted.

Meanwhile, the villagers of Machengluang, Lamlaba, the native village of late Athuan Abonmai has demanded the government to bring justice and nab the culprits involved in the killing of former president of ZB.

They have decided not to accept the body until justice is delivered by the government.

On the other hand, the body has been brought to Imphal on Thursday for post mortem.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) also expressed deep angst over the murder of Athuan Abonmai, and condemned the alleged brutal killing in the strongest term.

According to a statement made available to the press, Kuki Inpi Manipur and its frontal organisations expressed shock over the brutal murder of Abonmai while adding that he was kidnapped by suspected NSCN-IM from near Tamenglong district headquarters playground on September 22 around 11:30 am and he was found shot dead near Pallong village in the same district.

KIM stated that Athuan Abonmei was a harbinger of peace and harmony among the people of Manipur state and his death is an irreparable loss not only to his family members and the Zeliangrong community but also to the people of Manipur.

While strongly condemning the alleged brutal killing of Athuan Abonmei, KIM urged the authorities concerned to book the culprits involved at the earliest.

It also offered heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the consolation and visitation of the Almighty God be upon them.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur expressed grief over the untimely passing away of Letkholun Khongsai, executive member of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi, due to stroke, stating that his sudden demise is a great loss not only for the family but also for the Kuki people as a whole.

It offered heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for Almighty God's consolation and visitation upon them.

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