Murder of TNL Presidential candidate J Kashung
Condemnations pour in, MNPF washes hands off killing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19 2013: The Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Delhi (TKLD), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF) have strongly condemned the killing of Jonathan Kashung.

Condemning the 'unwarranted' killing of Jonathan Kashung of Shingkap village while in the custody of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM), the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has called for an immediate investigation of the incident and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

"At a time when the Naga people are struggling to free ourselves from the grip of violence and bloodshed, such actions dishonour the collective effort to build peace," said a statement issued by Dr Gina Shangkham, Secretary General of the NPMHR.

"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 site where the corpse was found

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," the NPMHR stated while also deeply expressing its deep condolence to the family.

Appalled by the killing, the Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD) demanded proper investigation and necessary actions as per the finding.

TKLD also expressed condolence and solidarity with the wife, children and relatives of late Jonathan Kashung.

The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) said it vehemently opposed 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 poses.

While 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.

Meanwhile, the MNPF in a statement issued by its deputy publicity secretary, Thomas Numai has denied having any relation with Jonathan Kashung.

Although the NSCN (IM) declared Nagaland for Christ as its motto, the outfit is anti-Christ and as such they lack consciousness that they are children of God who are created in His own image.

Therefore they kill and butcher people whenever they feel like, the MNPF statement said.

Taking advantage of the Cease fire, the NSCN (IM) cadres are free birds.

It is shameful for them to exist in this age, it said while expressing that it is very sorry for them to continuously target the southern Tangkhuls.

Alleging the NSCN-IM of brutally killing a person along with his pregnant wife namely Nh Vareingam and Ngasherla Angkang at Lungphu Village on July 24, 2011 and the futile attempt on the life of former MLA (L) Wungnaoshang Keishing few years back, the MNPF strongly condemned the 'chicken hearted' and 'untactful acts' of the NSCN-IM, which according to the MNPF statement is also responsible for the killing of Jonathan Kashung.

The outfit also expressed utmost sympathy to the family members of the deceased while praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.

It may be mentioned that a presidential candidate of the Tangkhul Naga Long, Jonathan Kashung was found killed on Sept 17 at Kasa Kazeng, Ukhrul after he was abducted on Sept 13 from Viewland, Ukhrul.

Following his killing, the election of the TNL, apex Tangkhul body, which was earlier slated for Sept 18 has been postposed indefinitely.