ZP member shot dead, accused couple lynched
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 01 2011: A tense situation has gripped Sora area of Thoubal district after a Zilla Parishad Member was shot dead followed by the lynching of a couple by an irate mob in reaction.

Bullet-riddled body of Pallel Zilla Parishad Member Md Sahabuddin (58) of Sora Bazar Maning was found near a canal at Sora Awang Leikai Leirak Achouba at about 5.30 this morning, informed a police source.

Bullet wounds were observed on left side of chest and right cheek.

Sahabuddin went out last night after having dinner to take pan.

He was reportedly called out by some unidentified persons on his mobile phone.

As the neighbouring people heard gun shots twice at about 8 pm, they launched a manhunt but without success, informed another source.

On the other hand, one woman who was suspected to be the person who called out Sahabuddin through mobile phone was lynched by an irate mob together with her husband.

Moreover, their house was also set afire destroying it completely.

Fuelled by their suspicion that Nursana (30) of Sora Bazar Mamang was involved in the murder of Sahabuddin, the agitated mob set afire Nursana's house at about 9.30 am today.

House of the accused set on fire by an irate mob at Sora

As the house was engulfed by the roaring fire, Nursana's husband Majibullah who was then reportedly hiding inside the granary ran out.

He was nabbed by the crowd and was hacked to death.

Later, Nursana was also done to death at about noon by the mob.

House of one Arijan (35) w/o Md Khalif (40) located at Sora Mamang Leikai was also set afire charging that she was also involved in calling out Sahabuddin.

Majibullah was a former CRPF Constable.

He reportedly fled from his post after stealing Rs 10 lakhs.

He also worked in the finance section of a PULF faction till November 2010 .

Along with the discovery of two pistols from the house of Majibullah, Nursana was subjected to intense questioning before she was hacked to death.

She reportedly disclosed that two hill men, namely Milan and Jacky were involved in the murder of Sahabuddin.

Taking serious note of the tense situation prevailing in the area, vehicles coming along NH-39 were diverted at Khongjom and Kakching Lamkhai.

After post mortem at JNIMS, the corpse of Sahabuddin has been deposited at RIMS mortuary where the corpses of the couple lynched by the mob were also lying awaiting post mortem examination.

On the other hand, a joint action committee has been constituted against the killing of Sahabuddin after a public meeting held today at Sora in the presence of MLA Y Surchandra.

Along with resolving to place several demands before the Government, the JAC has called an indefinite NH 39 bandh with effect from midnight today.

Denying shelter to all UG cadres in Sora area with effect from today and initiating stringent punitive actions against any family found giving shelter to UG cadres was one of the resolutions adopted at today's public meeting.

The other resolutions were instituting judicial enquiry into the murder case and urging the authority to book all other individuals involved in the murder.

The meeting also agreed on urging the Government to provide a suitable Government job to a family member of Sahabuddin.

Meanwhile a press release issued by JAC secretary Ayajuddin said that the NH 39 bandh would continue until and unless the JAC's demands are fulfilled.