BT Road killings of July 23, 2009 NEFIS takes protest to different cities
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, February 08 2016: Taking the protest against the July 23, 2009 killings at BT Road to different parts of the country, the North East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) under its All India Candle Light Vigil drive galvanised people from different North East communities and took out a candle light vigil at Arts Faculty, Delhi University on February 7 .

The protest against the July 23, 2009 BT Road killings has gathered pace after the then Head Constable, Th Herojit recently admitted that he shot dead an unarmed Chungkham Sanjit inside Maimu Pharmacy on the instructions of the then Additional SP of Imphal West police, AK Jhalajit.

The candle light vigil was held to garner support across the country for justice to Sanjit and Rabina who were killed on July 23, 2009 .

As part of the all India protest, candle light vigils were also organized at Panjab University in Chandigarh, Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior, Kokrajhar in Assam, Manipur University in Manipur as well as in various other places, said NEFIS in a statement.

It is to be noted that the police had killed Sanjit on the orders of the then Additional SP, Imphal West, Dr Akoijam Jhalajit, who is now SP of the same district to "finish them off", alleged NEFIS.

Delhi University Professor, Deepak Naorem and eminent women's rights activist, Dr Maya John were also present at the occasion.

Dr Maya John in her speech pointed out the way in which the Indian State and Manipur Government abuse their power to brutally curb the rights of their own people.

The gathering demanded that Manipur Chief Minister and the State Government be held responsible for these extra-judicial killings and probe be ordered against them.

They also demanded that the then Additional SP, Imphal West, Akoijam Jhalajit, should be immediately suspended and an inquiry should be initiated against him and appropriate compensation should be provided to the victims' families.

The demands also included an end to the institutionalisation and legalisation provided by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958.The Government should tender an immediate apology not only to the victims' families, but also to the people of Manipur for brutally violating their democratic rights, it added.

NEFIS has pledged to continue its struggle and build a huge movement against the Manipur Government, till such extra-judicial killings and fake encounters stop and the culprits are brought to justice.

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