Many condemn bomb attack at Vashum's residence
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, September 15 2024:
Following Saturday s bomb attack at the residence of transport minister Khashim Vashum, various organisations cutting across religious, social and political spectra have issued statements vehemently condemning the act of terror which threatened the peaceful atmosphere and endangered the lives of innocent public.
In a statement, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) called the bomb attack most cowardly act of criminality.
"We make it known to one and all that such criminal elements would have no place in our society," it stated, while demanding that the perpetrators surrender before they are apprehended.
The apex Tangkhul customary body also appealed to the law enforcement agency to initiate expeditious investigation into the incident and bring a logical conclusion at the soonest.
"We condemn this senseless, illegal and barbaric act as a serious crime that terrified innocent people," NPF 45/Chingai ST/AC president Shimreingam Zimik said in a statement.
"We make a plea and declare our stance of unity against acts of terrorism in our peaceful land," Zimik said, while calling upon authorities concerned to act swiftly and apprehend the culprits in order to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
In a similar tone of anguish, the committees of the Hamleikhong C-Block and Hamleikhong Tang, Hungpung also expressed condemnation against the bomb threat that took place under their jurisdiction.
Stating that the act of detonating the explosive device has created fear psychosis among the peace-loving residents, they called for the concerned not to repeat such acts in future.
Tusom Christian village said that the act of violence was an attack not only to the people's representative but also to the peace and security of fhe community at large.
"We stand united against the violence and terror acts and will continue to work together towards a peaceful and harmonious society," it said.
Tusom CV Shimva Ukhrul Town said that the act of terror was unwarranted, and urged authorities concerned to book perpetrators who execute ruthless acts of terrorism in a Christian society.
In a separate statement, Tusom CV Fellowship Ukhrul Town stated that the residents of Tusom CV has been using the residence of minister Khashim Vashurn as a place of worship and worship services are conducted there every Sunday.
It said that attacking the house of worship is highly condemnable and such acts of terror have no place in a civilised society.
Thawaijao Hungpung Young Students' Organisations (THYSO), Northern Raphei Students Union (NRSU), Raphei Katamnao Long (RKL), Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Imphal (TKLI) and many other organisations have also condemned the incident.
It may be mentioned that a hand grenade exploded inside the residence of minister Khashim Vashurn located at Hamleikhong, Hungpung opposite Ukhrul District Mini Secretariat in Ukhrul town on Saturday-evening.
The explosion caused minor damages on the concrete wall near the main entrance, though there was no report of any casualty.
So far, no organisations have claimed responsibility for the act and the motive behind the attack has not been established till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, Ukhrul Police have registered a case bearing FIR No 17(09)2024 Ukhrul PS u/s 109/3(5)BNS & 3 Explosive substance Act in connection with the incident.