TSA for NIA probe into Lamjathang attack cases
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 17 2024: Expressing dismay over alleged failure by the state government to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the repeated arson and terror attacks on its president T Michael Lamjathang Haokip, his family and ancestral residence on May 7, 2023, and August 25 and 31, 2024, by Kulki militants and mob, Thadou Students' Association, General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) has demanded authorities concerned for taking action against those involved in the attack and urged to hand over the case to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) without any delay.

In a release, spokesperson Vicky Thadou said TSA is aghast at the failure of the government authorities to arrest the perpetrators of the crime and the masterminds till now, possibly due to the weakness and incompetency of the local police and district administration to enforce rules and laws on the ground despite the will of the state government.

As an indigenous people of Manipur, Thadou people value and promote peace, mutual-respect, stability and peaceful coexistence in the region even though committed to preserving distinct culture and identity of Thadou tribe, Vicky stated, while maintaining that the collective interest of Indigenous people of the state is undermined when a leader of the Thadou tribe is attacked.

The lives of innocent people are at danger due to complete lack of public safety in the community, the spokesperson said while pointing while asserting that Michael and his family or the village deserves no cruel treatment or persecution from any group or individual.

Recalling the chief minister's promise on August 26 to take appropriate legal action against perpetrators of the crime and terror, he regretted that there has not been any significant progress in the Investigation thus far thereby giving a bad impression to leaders and members of other indigenous communities that peace-advocating leaders in the state are being targeted by Kuki militants.

It also gives a negative impression that the state's law and order is in danger of being overrun by violent protesters and mob backed by Kuki militants or Kuki supremacist groups.

Stating that the principle of Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement between the state, central, and KNO is for peace and stability, TSA urged cooperation of the Kuki militants which are party to the SoO pact.

Peniel village, which is under Churachandpur police station, is located within the operational area of the KNO and is dominated by KNA, KNF-MC, KNF-S, KNF-Z, and KLA.

As such, the KNO and local civil organisations are morally responsible for the attacks, it maintained and hoped for a favourable response from the KNO in identifying the offenders and bringing them to justice within a week.

"We wish to assert that neglecting our humble request and failing to take necessary actions will compel TSA to take additional actions that it deems appropriate in order to pursue justice in the case, restore law and order in the community," Vicky said, while adding that TSA and Thadou community will not compromise but continue to lawfully fight for justice and rights until justice is served.

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