Abduction of Athuan Abonmai from under nose of cops
NNPGs questions SF's inaction
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 24 2021:
The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has questioned the inaction of security forces when former Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president Athuan Abonmai was abducted by some gunmen.
A press release issued by the Working Committee of NNPGs said that abduction and most barbaric cold blooded murder of Athuan Abonmai, former president Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), on September 22 at Tamenlong district headquarters came as a rude shock to all peace loving communities of the North East.
The fact that the presence of Manipur Chief Minister and hundreds of security forces in the vicinity failed to prevent a broad daylight abduction and subsequent murder, shows how outspoken community leaders are becoming easy prey to criminal organisations, it decried.
The Working Committee of NNPGs then asked, "Was Manipur State forces hand in glove with armed organisations?" Naga people want the answer.
Until the perpetrators of the heinous crime are caught and persecuted, Biren Singh will have blood on his hands.
Groups and organisations committing terrorist acts to stifle rights of individuals and communities must be challenged effectively and collectively, said the statement signed by N Kitovi Zhimomi, convenor, Working Committee of NNPGs.
WC, NNPGs knows late Athuan Abonmai as a lion hearted societal watchdog.
He said "The Zeliangrong people shall be master in their own land" .
He spoke his mind freely without fear or favour in the face of dire threats, even as his peers crumbled and knelt before gun and money power.
Athuan stood firm against elements keeping the interest of Zeliangrong and Naga people above all else, fully aware of the absolute political and economic bondage of his land and people.
He faced much heat for his damning critique on crimelords and corrupt social order and never once did he evaporate like many feeble community leaders, the working committee remarked.
He was a ruthless critic of ruthless groups who are bent on keeping communities under tight leash with threats, false narrative and impractical nationalism.
Zeliangrongs in particular and Nagas in general needed a fierce unrestrained mind like his, it asserted.
NNPGs have had positive interactions with late Athuan Abonmai in the past and the heart warming mutual respect is deeply cherished.
"Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis and other communities must learn to co-exist and progress as equal partners in the neighbourhood.
We have lived together for centuries and will continue to do so.
Mutual respect and recognition for each other's history is important", the NNPGs said.
It also conveyed deepest condolences to the family of late Athuan Abonmai.