Blood soaked Yaoshang winds up, many including 4 women killed
Four including 2 girls killed in firing at Thabal Chongba venues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 26: Shoot-outs at two different Thabal Chongba venues on March 24 evening claimed the lives of four including two young girls in their 20s as another person suffered injuries.

In the first firing incident that took place at Heirok part-II Laikon maning at around 10.30 pm the two young girls were killed at the spot as four shawl-wearing unidentified persons who reportedly came on two motor cycles opened fire.

People of Heirok staging a dharna to protest the killings of two girls at a Thabal Chongba venue

Another male youth who suffered injuries and was undergoing treatment at Shija Hospital succumbed at around 4.30 pm today.

a young girl also suffered bullet wounds in the same incident.

The deceased have been identified as Thokchom Premila (20) daughter of Mohon of Heirok part-I Heituppokpi, Laishram Nirmala (20) daughter Thambou of Heirok Pt-I Maning Leikai and Thokchom Romesh (23) s/o Khomdon of Heirok Pt-II Bazar.

Bodies of all the three are still lying at the RIMS morgue as family members have refused to take custody of the corpses.

On the otherhand, the injured girl undergoing treatment at Shija Hospital is said to be one Wairokpam Rebika (18) d/o Inaobi of Kairen-bikhok.

Rebika's condition is also stated to be critical as she was jurt in the head area.

In connection with the shooting/killings, a massive public meeting attended by about 700 people was held at Heirok yesterday morning during which the incident was strongly condemned apart from resolving to constitute a JAC to chalk out further course of action.

Other decisions taken at the public gathering included staging protest rallies in various parts of the state, apprising State authorities to issue arms' license to protect themselves from disruptive elements, set a deadline of 48 hours for producing the killers by authorities concerned failing which the bodies would not be claimed and instead launch democratic form of agitation, prohibit entry of all UG cadres in Heirok area, ostracise/banish family/families from Heirok in case UGs are provided shelter, ban all forms of entertainment programmes till tomorrow as a mark of solidarity to the bereaved families, cease economy related activities and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister on the JAC demands.

As decided at the meeting, Heirok public in large number came in 30/40 vehicles yesterday afternoon in an attempt to protest at the CM's bungalow here but security personnel swung into action and herded the incensed people beyond Sanjenthong.

However, 10 JAC representatives were allowed to call on the CM.

O Ibobi on his side, reportedly assured the JAC delegation to discuss issuance of arms to the public in the next Cabinet meeting.

"During our talk, the CM agreed to discuss our demand to issue arms for protecting ourselves from militants' excesses at a State Cabinet meeting," informed general secretary of the JAC.

O Ibobi reportedly told the delegation that the SPF Government would consult the Union Home Ministry on feasibility to issue the arms to Heirok public.

Moreover stationing of one IRB post in Heirok was the other important assurance of the CM.

The other shooting incident also occurred at around 10.30 am at Khongman Okram Chuthek Lai Lampak which is located under Irilbung police station.

The victim who got killed while watching the Thabal-chongba programme is said to be one Ningombam Ibotombi alias Naobi (32) s/o (L) Manihar of Khongman Okram Chuthek.

A bullet that hit on naobi's right temple area passed out through the left side.

Naobi was initially rushed to RIMS Hospital but was referred to Shija Hospital as his condition was very serious.

He passed away on the way to the privately run medical centre.

Naobi's body has been handed over to family members after completion of post mortem at RIMS morgue today.