Reply within 2 weeks: MHRC to State Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2021: In connection with the brutal murder of social activist and political worker Athuan Abonmai, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the respondents (State Government) to give a satisfactory reply within two weeks.

The MHRC registered the case following a complaint filed by one Keisham Pradipkumar (53) from Wangkhei Ayangpalli.

The complaint sought a full-fledged enquiry into the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Athuan Abonmai on September 22 and also to identify the personnel responsible for his death and recommend measures for preventing recurrence of such incidents.

The respondents listed in the case are the State of Manipur (through the Chief Secretary), the DGP and the SP Tamenglong.

Speaking to media persons at the MHRC office of Lamphelpat this afternoon, its Acting Chairperson Khaidem Mani informed that the commission has registered a case under Section 12 (a) and Section 12 (j) of the Protection of Human Rights 1995 in connection with the murder of Athuan Abonmai. Asking why a thorough enquiry should not be done and establish the facts and circumstances leading to the murder of Abonmai, the Chief Secretary and the DGP have been directed to give a satisfactory reply by October 12, Mani said.

He continued that the respondents have also been directed to a submit a status report of the FIR lodged at Lamphel police station in connection with the abduction of Abonmai and the corresponding FIR registered at Tamenglong police station.

Zeliangrong Baudi advisor and former president Athuan Abonmai was abducted by some unidentified gunmen from Tamenglong headquarters, Pologround on September 22 in broad daylight where a mega public function attended by Chief Minister N Biren and many of his Cabinet Ministers was being organised.

Athuan Abonmai was found bludgeoned to death in the most brutal manner on the same day at Pallong area, some 30 Kms away from where he was abducted.

The MHRC Acting Chairperson said that the complainant has been asking some serious questions.

The complainant has been asking what action was taken up by the Lamphel police station after receiving the FIR lodged by the son of the victim.

He asked, "Did not the Lamphel police station report to the higher officers and concerned district police concerned?"Why did the State intelligence at Tamenglong headquarters fail to know the abduction of Athuan Abonmai who was a high profile civil and political leader and also a key person involved in hosting the Chief Minister, during the whole programme which also featured a football match?", the complainant asked.

He further asked whether the top police officers tried to keep the Chief Minister who is also Home Minister of the State blind about the incident till the end of the programme, Mani conveyed.

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