Murder of Abonmai looks like conspiracy: WCAL
CSOs condemn murder, ask Govt to facilitate smooth probe by NIA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 27 2021:
Denouncing the murder of Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) advisor Athuan Abonmai after being abducted in broad daylight in full view of security personnel and public from Apollo ground, Tamenglong district headquarters on September 22, Working Committee of Apunba Lup (WCAL) has observed that the slaying of the civil society leader seems to be a conspiracy.
A press release issued jointly by WCAL coordinators Phulindro Konsam, Ayekpam Langdon Leima, Joy Chingakham and Nongthombam Rupachandra pointed out that there was heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the location from where Abonmai was abducted as there was a programme to be attended by the chief minister who is also the home minister of the state.
Such abduction of a public leader, who came to attend the programme, in broad day light and in front of the very eyes of security forces and people is highly suspicious as the area was secured by both security forces and intelligence since couple of days prior to the programme, the release contended.
As the brutal murder of Abonmai looks like a conspiracy, enquiry should be conducted against higher ups including civil officers, security personnel and even politicians by an independent agency, it demanded, while adding that mere suspension of some security personnel as scapegoat would not be of much help.
WCAL questioned the meaning of Go to Hills campaign, if the government could not ensure rights to life of the hill civilians and protect them.
Maintaining that right to life is one of the most important fundamental rights, the committee said that UN has introduced mechanisms, convened several conventions and conferences and adopted many resolutions to protect and promote right to life.
However, security forces, under the shadows of AFSPA 1958, using de-facto impunity or de-jure, killed and tortured many people, raped and murdered women in the name of CI operation.
On the other hand, some armed groups kidnap for ransom and kill people.
People will give respect if state and two particular non - state actors stop such brutal crimes against humanity and respect international human rights law/humanitarian law, it added.
While sharing pain of the bereaved family, WCAL declared that it will support every democratic movement taken up by the JAC formed to seek justice for Athaun Abonmai.
Civil society organisations continued to raise strong condemnations against the killing of Athuan Abonmai and extended solidarity to the bereaved family of the Zeliangrong leader.
In separate releases, Kabui Union, Manipur and All Manipur Youth Protection Committee (AMYPCO) recounted that Athuan had worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between the people of hills and valley and his death is a loss for Manipur and all the communities.
It is also clear that those who are behind the brutal murder of Athuan Abonmai not only tried to project late leader as anti-tribal but also have uncultured mind-set incapable of critical thinking and self-criticism, the CSOs maintained.
They also lauded the state government for handing over the case to the NIA and also urged to ensure that the investigation is carried out without any political interference.
Furthermore, the CSOs pledged to extend full support to any decision taken by JAC regarding the issue and also extended solidarity to the bereaved family of Athuan Abonmai.