Handymen's death : Ultimatum issued
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 03 2012:
The All Manipur Bus Owners' Federation has threatened to cease passenger service to protest Government's alleged incompetency in rounding up culprits responsible for the March 26 night incident at Keishampat area in which two handymen sleeping inside a bus were roasted alive.
On the otherhand, Churachandpur branch of Kuki students' Organisation strongly condemning the incident of setting ablaze the stationary passenger bus and killing of the two assistants, demanded adequate compensation to the victims' families.
describing the incident as inhumane and barbaric as well as questioning inaction by the State Government on the matter, the student body demanded that all out efforts be made to book and punish the culprits failing which it would not remain as silent spectators.
KSO also pledged support to All Manipur Bus Owners' Federation in any agitation launched in connection with the incident.
|
Under the aegis of the Federation a sit-in-protest was staged today at Keishampat Junction in which vehicle owners of different transport bodies and representatives of civil society organisations participated.
a similar protest attended by locals was also organised at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, where the bus was set ablaze killing teenager handymen Thangkhulien Khongsai alias Boy of Singhat Heiyang village and Ningthoujam Mangal of Wangoi Laiphrakpam Leikai.
Speaking to newspersons on the sideline of the protest, Federation advisor N Kironba recounted that on March 26 midnight passenger bus (MN01-1174) was burnt killing the two young boys, who were asleep inside.The advisor also informed that a memorandum demanding arrest and punishment of the culprits involved in the act of arson was handed over to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and State Home Minister Gaikhangam on March 28.Inspite of a deadline of five days set for arrest of the culprits the Government has failed to provide any clue on the incident thereby leading to the sit-in-protest, maintained Kironba while adding that the transport operators have no other option left other than resort to launch agitation and cease service.
On April 1 also a sit-in protest participated by representatives of KSO, DESAM, NIPCO, AMADA, IPSA, HERICOUN, UPF and Federation members had also been organised, added the advisor while lamenting that despite peaceful democratic agitations the Government had been indifferent on the issue.