Ragailong murder case : Fence mended between neighbours ; JAC demands trial within one month
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 15 2013 :
Main-taining that all the accused involved in the killing of Wahengbam Ton Luwang (Thembung) have been identified, the JAC constituted against the same killing has urged authorities concerned to conduct trial and punish the culprits within one month.
Significantly Namthanlong (Mujikhul) Pakhangphal (Khangchui) leader K Themei said that they could not participate in the public protest out of fear as their village was attacked on the night Ton was killed.
Now people of Namthanlong would participate in any movement launched by the JAC and the public, deemed justified.
Clarifying about the attack on Namthanlong, JAC's another co-convenor Wahengbam Joyshankar said that the unfortunate incident happened as some emotional youngsters went out of control.
The reality was that a large number of people from Thangmeiband went to Ragailong to talk about the killing of Ton but they were blocked by police near Classic Hotel.
A team of the JAC met Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and submitted a memorandum, the main point of which was awarding befitting punishment to all those found guilty.
Speaking to media persons at Ibudhou Naothingkhong Pakhangba Shanglen, Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai this afternoon, JAC co-convenor Leishangthem Pratap said that Rs 20 lakh should be collected from the culprits as fine and the same amount should be handed over to the family of the deceased.
Fine of another Rs 5 lakh should be collected from the culprits and the amount should be given to the injured victim.
The memorandum also sought adequate Government assistance to the bereaved family.
The matter has not been settled yet for the JAC has not been any opportunity to meet Chief Minister O Ibobi Nevertheless, the JAC assured the Deputy Chief Minister that there would be no untoward incident, Pratap conveyed.
24 year old Ton was beaten to death by some persons at Ragailong in the night of November 13 .
His friend Angom Krishnadas, somehow managed to escape from the hands of the assailants though injured.
In connection with the killing of Ton, police have already pulled up five persons.
It would have been highly appreciated if the elders of Ragailong intervened in time and saved the life of Ton.
They could have rounded up Ton and hand him over to concerned youth club of Thangmeiband or his parents.
So far, Ragailong has not communicated a single word to the JAC.
If anything wrong was committed by Ton, Ragailong villagers may explain it publicly, Pratap said.
It is now in the hands of Ragailong to ease the tension.
It is worth questioning if Ragailong village has taken up any action against the accused in accordance to their own customs.
The number of people swelled multiple times as they were joined by people who were watching a musical concert at THAU ground which was cut short by the killing.
Some of the youngsters became emotional as well as furious and they went out of control.
Massive sit-in-protest would be staged tomorrow between Thangmeiband Cheiraoching and Nagamapal against the killing of Ton.
In the meantime, the JAC would seek an appointment with the Chief Minister, Joyshankar said.