Murder of Jonathan: NPMHR, TKLD, ANSAM decry
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 19 2013:
Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD) have strongly condemned the abduction and subsequently murder of Jonathan Kashung, one of the presidential candidates of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) elections, which was scheduled to take place yesterday but had to be countermanded because of the disturbing development.
In a strongly worded statement, Secretary General of NPMHR Dr Gina Shangkham categorically stated that the 'abduction and unwarranted killing of Jonathan Kashung of Shingkap village while in the custody of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM)' was condemnable.
The NPMHR, therefore, calls for an immediate investigation into the incident and demand that those responsible be held accountable.
At a time when the Naga people are struggling to free themselves from the grip of violence and bloodshed, such actions dishonor the collective effort to build peace, Dr Gina said, adding that 'the maturity of any nation is tested by its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human lives, justness, fairness and the rule of law' .
"The NSCN (IM), as an organisation that was founded for the rights of struggling peoples, is expected to be non-arbitrary and accountable in its decision making, particularly when it involves the lives of people irrespective of differences", Dr Gina further said, while expressing deep condolence of NPMHR to the bereaved family members.
On the other hand, Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD) said that it is appalled by the abduction and subsequently killing of Jonathan Kashung.
TKLD vehemently condemned the barbaric act; such extreme steps should have no rooms for reasoning in the modern society.
A murder is a murder and every right thinking citizen should condemn and avoid such hooligan act, President of TKLD Thothuingam Shinglai said in a statement.
Thothuingam went on to say that the Student community against violence especially upon members of the civil society.
"Whatsoever may be the charges alleged and levelled, killing and leaving the death body to the rodents and wild animals to feed on shows the inhuman attitude of the perpetrators.
Such criminals should enjoy no space in the family, community and organisations.
For taking the law in their hands and for the act of injustice perpetrators should be booked and no stone should be left unturned to deliver justice", Thothuingam said, and demanded proper investigation and necessary actions as per the findings.
TKLD also expressed its condolence and solidarity with the wife, children and relatives of late Jonathan Kashung.
"It is indeed an irreparable loss.
May God strengthen the family and relatives of the demise at this time of difficult hour.
As a student organisation, TKLD appeals to all the near and dear ones of the victim and also to the denizens to act and promote peace", the TKLD statement added.
Meanwhile, All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) said it vehemently opposes all forms of undemocratic exercise causing bloodshed and killing of innocent and public leader Jonathan Kashung.
According to the Naga students' body, the recent episode of public unrest after the abduction and subsequent killing of K.Jonathan, former vice president of ANSAM by unidentified persons is highly condemnable and "such act of cold blooded murder among Naga brothers, which otherwise have been yearning for peaceful political negotiation, have gone beyond all acceptable standards of humanity and is totally uncalled for" .
"If such act of cruelty is committed conveniently upon prominent leader security of the rest of the leaders working for just peace is highly questionable," ANSAM posed.
ANSAM then said it pays its due respect and homage to its departed leader and added, "we convey our deepest condolence to the bereaved family and demand the person or group responsible for tragic elimination of our leader to come out openly with whatever reason or ground on which the inhumane treatment have been carried out" .
"Furthermore, we call upon every right thinking citizens and armed groups to shun killing and violence so that our aspiration for common goal is achieved at the earliest possible time," ANSAM stated.