Killing of three hunters at New Tusom : Militants' hands suspected
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, December 02, 2014:
Three villagers of New Tusom village in Ukhrul, found dead on November 30, were suspected to be killed by armed militants, who were passing through the jungle area on their way either to neighbouring Myanmar or Nagaland even as the corpses were retrieved yesterday.
At the same time, the Tangkhul Civil Organization today conducted a condolence programme at 7 am at TNL Hall, Ukhrul.
Khayao Shatsang, a village elder narrating the incident leading to the death of the three villagers expressed strong suspicion that the killing was the handiworks of armed militants.
The villagers have also decided to hold a special consultation meeting tomorrow regarding the incident.
Bullet ridden bodies of Raingam Shatsang, Chihanpam Vashum and Shimreiso Vashum were found in a jungle on Nov 30.Jessami police retrieved the bodies in collaboration with villagers yesterday and brought to Ukhrul for post mortem examination.
The villagers expressed strong suspicion that they were overpowered before shooting them at point blank range by the miscreants.
The dense forest area, located at least 10 kms away from the village, is said to be used as thorough fare to neighbouring Myanmar and Nagaland.
The area is also said to be the safe haven for many armed militant groups.
Blood stains were seen on the path for few distance.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul Modak Hrisheekesh personally visited and interacted with the victims' families along with the village elders and Tangkhul civil society leaders at Ukhrul police station yesterday.
The DC, as an immediate relief to the victims' families, handed Rs 50,000 to them and assured to extend all possible assistance from his end.
A case has been registered with Jessami PS.
Police inquest reports said that they were probably shot from close range with their own SBBL rifles.
However, necessary investigation is underway.
Weapons recovered from them were in police custody.
Raigam was shot at his chest, Shimreiso on the temple while Chihanpam at the back of his neck.
Cut marks were also detected on the throat of Chihanpam.
Vehemently condemning the killing, TNL president P Kazingmei termed the incident as shameful.
He also shared the grief of the bereaved families on behalf on the Tangkhul Civil organization.