Post commander held in IRB man death case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 26 2023: In connection with the death of 6th 1RB rifleman Kamei Apuna Kabui, who was attached to Imphal East district commando at Sanjenbam police out post on Monday, out post commander SI Pari has been suspended from service.

The SI has also been remanded in police custody till October 3 for further questioning.

Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Union Committee (ZUC) Manipur Valley president Maibon Phaomei has demanded termination of service of Manipur Police sub-inspector namely Yumnam Nongallakpa, who is allegedly involved in the killing of Apuna Kabui.

Addressing the media at his New Namdulong residence on Tuesday, Maibon said that Apuna, who got killed in accidental firing, as officially reported, while cleaning his service weapon, was on duty at Nongpok Sanjenbam Commando outpost under SI Nongalakpa Mangang alias Pari, who is also the commander of the outpost.

When the Committee examined Apuna's case, it came to light that five personnel including Apuna went for duty with SI Nongallaka in a Gypsy on Monday and returned to the outpost later in the day.

Of the five personnel, two were from the tribal community.

After their return, as Apuna was preparing to have meal he was shot dead by some police personnel, Maibon alleged, adding that the Committee was able to collect evidences supporting this.

Maibon continued that Apuna died somewhere between noon to 1pm on Monday whereas police informed his wife at around 2.30 pm .

It would have been believable if it was claimed that he died on the way to the hospital.

When the family requested to visit the incident spot, the police stopped everyone from entering the spot and also from contacting the body.

At present, the SI has reportedly confessed to killing Apuna, Maibon informed, while demanding the government to take strict action against the SI including termination of service and awarding capital punishment.

The Committee also urged the government to provide monthly salary of Apuna till his service superannuation as he died on duty, and also extend relevant assistance to his bereaved family.

Informing that the body will not be claimed until the government takes a concrete decision On the matter, Maibon refuted the Manipur Police version and news reports published in local dailies that he shot himself with his gun, which happened to be an AK-47.Presently SI Nongallakpa is in police custody, he added, while urging for arresting all the other culprit(s) involved in the crime.

He then appealed to the people to be vigilant against ill-intentioned rumours meant to cause discord between communities especially amid the conflict situation.

Meanwhile, the JAC formed in connection with the death of 6 IRB man Apuna Kamei has announced that that body will not be claimed until the culprit (s) involved in the case are arrested and punished accordingly.

The announcement was made during a sit-in protest cum public meeting held at the community hall of Moirangkhom Kabui Khul on Tuesday.

Speaking at the meeting, JAC secretary Ranjita Gonmei informed that representatives of the JAC met the chief minister during which it was declared that the body will not be claimed until strict action is taken against accused SI Pari.

The representatives also urged for providing ex-gratia and other assistance to the bereaved family.

Rongmei Naga Lu Phuam president Chingdinliu Panmei remarked that this is not the first time a Rongmei Naga has been harmed.

The numbers are rising only because of the government's failure to arrest and punish the culprits involved.

Thus, he demanded strict action to be taken against the culprits so as to set an example for the society.

During the meeting, the gathering held placards inscribed with slogans like, "Punish the culprits involved in Apuna Kamei's death", "Deliver justice in the case at earliest", and "We condemn Apuna's death" .

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