JTC holds peace rally; CSOs stage sit-in
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 29 2021: The Joint Tribe Council (Zeme, Liangmei, Rongmei & Inpui) organised a peace rally at Tamenglong district headquarters on Wednesday.

The march started from Haipou Jadonang Memorial Park and culminated at Apollo Bazar.

Before commencement of the rally, a public gathering was held at Haipou Jadonang Memorial Park during which Joint Tribe Council (JTC) convener Ramkung Pamei said that the rally is not against the operations being conducted in connection with the murder case of Athuan Abonmai, but there should be no harm done to the civilians during the searches.

He also appreciated the security forces for restraining themselves from harming the public till now, and said that JTC has met the security officials, but there needs to have voices from the public and for this reason this peace rally is being organised.

On the occasion, JTC also mourned the loss of former Zeliangrong Baudi president Athuan Abonmai and supported the efforts to bring justice.

However, at the same time there is an escalating issue that can bring dissension amongst Nagas, JTC cautioned and stressed that peace should be maintained at any cost.

JTC noted that there are people who want to take advantage of the incident to create disunity among the Nagas.

All shops were closed and movement of vehicles halted during the rally.

No news of any untoward incidence has been reported.

JTC also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister on Wednesday demanding to defuse the tension created by heavy deployment of security forces in Tamenglong.

JTC supports investigation on the matter, however public should not be victimised, the memo added.

On the other hand, 16 valley-based organisations have demanded the central and state governments to declare the armed NSCN-IM, which is alleged to be involved in the abduction and subsequent murder of Athuan Abonmai, as a terrorist outfit.

Demanding the government to fulfil the demands of the JAC formed in connection with incident; 16 organisations (AMKIL, Nupi Marup, Chingmi-Tammi, ECHAL, Thoubal Ima, ANUL, NIMPAL, Nongpok Leingak, UPF, NIPCO, CADA, AMSU, MAPI Council, UPACO and AMPFA) staged a sit-in protest at the community hall of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai here on Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the sit-in, NIPCO president Th Manihar condemned the abduction and subsequent murder of Athuan Abonmai, while also denouncing the central and state governments for their delay in taking up appropriate action in connection with the incident.

He then demanded proper identification of the two people arrested by police on Tuesday with regard to the incident as members of proscribed NSCN-IM.

Stating that Athuan was abducted in front of security forces, Manihar contended that the matter cannot be closed with the arrest of two individuals, adding that all involved must be apprehended.

"Make it clear to the public that the NSCN-IM was truly behind Athuan's death," the president said.

He further demanded the government to completely annihilate all roots of NSCN-IM from the soil of Manipur, while cautioning of launching intense agitations in case of failing to do so.

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