Imphal, July 24: The toll in the agitation against the NSCN(IM) ceasefire has reached 17 with the death of one cycle rallyist due to electrocution at Mekola area at 10:35 this morning.

One more person was injured in the incident.

The body of the victim will be cremated at Kekrupat tomorrow.

The victim died on his way to the JN hospital.

He is identified as Chabungbam Bharat (19) of Sagoltongba Lansonbi Bazar.

The injured is Heisnam Priyokumar alias Tomba of Patsoi part III.

He is being treated at the same hospital.

The cycle rally organized by clubs and organizations of Patsoi and Sagoltongba area started from Patsoi Uninkhong and passed through Sagolband Tera Sayang Road, Mayaikoibi, Mekola and Hiyangthang.

The two youths were riding above front body of a Tata truck used for carrying defective cycles after their bi-cycle tyres got deflated.

The deceased was electrocuted and hurled down when stood up and tried to push up the High tension wire.

Another person also got the shock and fell down.

After a brief held up, the rally continued and later snaked through Langthabal, MU Campus, Kiyamgei, Thongju, Singjamei, Kongba, Khurai Lamlong, Chingmeirong Khongnang Karak, Thangmeiband Wathem Leirak, Lamphel, Naoremthong, Shamushang, Iroisemba, Lamsang, Tharoijam and later came to the RIMS morgue from where it dispersed.

Meanwhile the Home department has convened a high level meeting tomorrow at 11 am at the office of the Advisor to the Governor (R) to discuss the problem of Kekrupat.

The meeting is being convened following a request by the Assam Rifles.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary the 9th Sector, Kangla said the AR troops allowed cremation of a dead body at Kekrupat on July 21 after an assurance was given by the Advisor (R) over the phone and a written undertaking by the Imphal West DC to the effect that such cremations would not be allowed at the site in future.

Despite timely intimation to the Chief Secretary�s office about likely recurrence of such incidents, no action was taken by the DC Imphal West to prevent the cremation at the Kekrupat site, the AR said adding the undertakings submitted by the DC on July 20 and 21 also do not seem to be sincere or have the required import.

The 9th Sector urged the CS to take necessary steps to prevent any cremation or paying homage on AR land.

�If no action is taken by the State Administration, suitable measures will perforce have to be taken by the AR troops to ensure physical security of this land, which belongs to the Assam Rifles,� the letter said.

It urged suggested that if necessary, a meeting can be held to resolve the issue.

Comment