Sawombung locals contradict police claim of encounter death
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 31, 2012: Brushing aside the version of the police that Ahanthem Amujao of Sawombung Gate Maning Leikai was killed in an encounter on January 29, locals of Sawombung Gate Maning Leikai claimed that it was a case of custodial death at the hands of the police.

Speaking to reporters today at the Manipur Press Club, Secretary of Sawombung locality, Keisham Khelen contended that Ahanthem Amujao (16) son of A Basanta of Sawombung Gate Maning Leikai was not killed in an encounter as claimed by the police, but he was killed after being arrest.

The police had informed that Amujao was killed in an encounter with a team of Imphal West commandos at Khuman Lampak Palli on January 29. Two of Amujao's accomplices had escaped while he was gunned down at the spot.

Keisham Khelen said the claim of the police was baseless.

Autopsy report on Amujao's dead body indicated that he was not killed in an encounter, but a case of custodial death, Khelen maintained.

He added that some of his limbs were found badly fractured.

Stating that Amujao was a school drop-out after completing class III due to pathetic family background, Khelen further asserted that Amujao helped his parents in meeting two square meals.

He worked as mason.

He also maintained that Amujao had never joined any underground outfit.

He left his house in the evening of January 27 around 4.30. The family came to know of his death when police informed them that Amujao was killed in an encounter with Imphal West police commandos at around 4pm at Khuman Lampak Palli on January 29. Khelen said it is very unfortunate to accept the news when locals began searching for Amujao when he failed to return home.

At the same time, the police also did not inform to which UG group Amujao belongs.

Such kind of incidents scarced parents to let their children out.

Further, Khelen said that a JAC would be formed to take up necessary action in this regard.

Meanwhile, the dead body of Amujao has also not been claimed till now.

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