CSOs question inaction of SFs in hill areas
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 25 2021:
The All Clubs, Organisation Associations & Meira Paibi Lup, Kangleipak (ACOAM-Lup) has called upon all the communities of the State to stand and fight collectively until justice is done to the barbaric murder of former Zeliangrong Baudi president Athuan Abonmai by suspected armed cadres of NSCN-IM on September 22 last.
The Lup also pledged support to all civil movements launched by any section of the society for the cause of truth and justice.
A press release issued by ACOAM-Lup said that they condemned the brutal killing of Athuan Abonmai right after abduction from near Apollo ground, Tamenglong where a lage number of security forces were deployed in connection with a mega public function attended by Chief Minister N Biren and many of his Cabinet Ministers.
Athuan Abonmai was a former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland).
Saying that the State Government should not wait for public uprising in delivering justice to the deceased, the ACOAM- Lup urged the Government to nab the killers at the earliest using all its might.
If the State Government waits for Central approval in taking action against the NSCN-IM for any such brutality, then many more will meet the fate of Abonmai, it cautioned and reminded that the ceasefire pact between the NSCN-IM and GoI doesn't extend to Manipur.
Expressing suspicion that the death of Abonmai might have been influenced by political considerations, the statement continued that the abduction of the ZB former president right in front of the State and Central security forces has evoked many questions.
The Chief Minister who also holds the portfolio of Home must explain why the State and Central security forces are unable to perform their duty effectively in hill districts, ACOAM-Lup demanded.
Further urging the Central and the State Govern- ments to do the needful against those who meted out terrorist activity against Abonmai, ACOAM-Lup pledged to take part in every movement that seek justice for the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Haomee (FoH), has contended that how much power was entrusted to the security personnel who were deployed for the 'Outreach Programme' held at Tamenglong should be re-examined and befitting action must be initiated against the high ranking officers concerned if there are any lapses on their part.
Suspending a few personnel will not do any good, the federation contended in a statement.
Claiming that more innocent people will fall into the hands of those killers as both the Central and State Government are unable to penalise them (the killers) for their unlawful and inhuman activities since the past, the FoH urged the Government to do what needs to be done without delay.
Saying that the killing of Abonmai is not an act of bravery, the FoH also urged the group responsible to clarify the rationale for killing the people's leader.
Further questioning on how many instances has the State Government penalised criminals for homicide in hill districts, the federation asked how the Government was planning to nab the killers when the manhunt was launched a day after the victim was abducted in the very presence of numerous security personnel.