Sekmaijin protests killing of youths by Kuki militants
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, July 06 2023: Strongly condemning the brutal torturing and killing of two youths from Sekmaijin Khunou, who had gone to guard Leikinthabi village, by armed Kuki militants, irate locals blocked the Imphal-Mayang ImphalWa bagai road and staged sit-in protest at Sekmaijin bridge on Thursday.

The two slain youths were Irengbam Chingkheinganba Meitei (28) s/o I Dhana and Sagolshem Nganleiba Meitei (31) s/o S Ibochou Meitei.

Nganleiba is survived by his wife, son and daughter while Chingkheinganba was unmarried.

The protestors used placards inscribed with slogans such as "We condemn the killing of innocent youths by Kuki militants", "Abrogate SoO immediately", "Punish Kuki militants violating SoO ground rules", "We want peace not war", "We are real citizens of India" and "Long live Manipur" .

A public meeting was also convened at Sekmaijin bazar chaired by Sekmaijin GP pradhan and formed a JAC in connection with the killing.

The meeting decided to demand handing over bodies of the two to the JAC by the government within four days failing which intense agitation would be launched.

Speaking to reporters, a JAC member informed that Chingkheinganba and Nganleiba left their homes to guard Leikinthabi village which is under Sekmai police station on July 4.The duo had been in touch with family members till 4 pm, but lost contacts shortly after.

The next day video clip circulated on the social media showed the two shot on the head by Kuki militants.

The member also informed that the JAC will submit a memorandum to the chief minister over the killing and to demand necessary help to families of the deceased.

Interacting with media during the protest, local Meira Paibi member Thounaojam Ayangleima Chanu said they will submit memorandum to the chief minister and DC Imphal West with the demand to retrieve their bodies and hand them over within three days so that their last rites could be performed.

She also strongly condemned the silence of Prime Minister Na-rendra Modi and the lack of response from the Central government in resolving the crisis.

She demanded the government to withdraw central security forces and allow the people of Manipur to defend for themselves if the Centre is not going to resolve the crisis at the earliest.

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