Imphal, May 12: Maintaining that allowing free movement to armed UG cadres in uniform in the name of Suspension of Operation (SoO) has not only increased instances of atrocities and harassment of innocent people, but also caused fear and terror among the people, the JAC Against Brutal Killing of Mayangbam Tomba has exerted pressure on Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to suspend the SoO.

Mayengbam Tomba s/o Ibotombi of Nongpok Keithelmanbi was killed in the cross-firing which broke out at Yairipok Ngamukhong yesterday morning between the armed cadres of USRA and KNF (P), which have entered into SoO with the Government.

Representatives of the JAC formed against the killing of Tomba today evening came to meet the Chief Minister.

But as the Chief Minister was out of station, they held talks with the Chief Minister in-charge MLA Th Debendra.

During the meeting, the JAC submitted a memorandum maintaining Tomba was killed as a consequent of the SoO signed between the UG groups and the Government, so the Government should take the responsibility for the killing and cancel the SoO.

The JAC also demanded posting of State security forces at Itham-Moirang-purel Sumba foothills and its vicinity for the protection of the people.

After the meeting, addressing a press conference at the office of Deputy Speaker of State Assembly Th Shyamkumar late in the evening, JAC advisor Takhellambam Dewan lamented that the Chief Minister in-charge could not give a definite assurance on the demands of the JAC and so the meeting was only a waste of time.

He informed that people of Tamukhong Moirang-purel Gram Panchayat and its surrounding area are living under the dread of the armed UG cadres loitering around freely at night with no protection from anywhere.

Until and unless, the demand for deployment of State security forces in the area to ensure that the people could live in peace is granted, the JAC has decided not to take back the body, Dewan informed.

Dewan said 'We do not want Central security forces and the State Government should not live under the impression that the demands of the JAC could be bargained with by giving some monetary amount as ex-gratia to the deceased family'.

In protest against the killing, a Wakat Meepham was also reportedly staged at Moirangpurel by the people of the area today.

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