Murder after abduction sparks outrage
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal/Thoubal, June 30 2024:
The abduction and murder of a retired officer of the Settlement Department has triggered public outrage at Khangabok today.
Demanding arrest of culprits involved in the abduction and murder of Thokchom Ibomcha Singh, a large number of womenfolk and locals of Khangabok erupted in protest and blocked National Highway 102 .
A Joint Action Committee, formed in connection with the murder, has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh demanding justice for the deceased.
Thokchom Ibomcha Singh, 65, hailed from Khangabok Awang Leikai.
A retired AS & SO of the Settlement Department, Ibomcha was also the founder of Kim Educational Society, Khangabok.
He was reportedly abducted by unknown persons from Khangabok Bazar on June 18 and was found murdered today morning at Leishang Hiden.
The JAC's memorandum, submitted to the Chief Minister today, said Ibomcha was abducted by persons who claimed to be members of a prominent underground outfit from a tea stall at Khangabok Bazar at around 7 am of June 18 .
It said the members of the proscribed outfit came in a black Tata Safari vehicle.
While the abduction was claimed to be connected with a monetary demand made by the outfit, Ibomcha was found dead early this morning at Leishang Hiden, Lilong Chajing, under Singjamei police station.
Thokchom ongbi Kim, the wife of the deceased, claimed the abductors tortured her husband in their custody.
Kim said she was forced to listen to the torture over the phone and intimidated to pay ransom.
Denouncing the killing of the retired Settlement Officer and school founder, womenfolk wearing mourning clothes blocked the National Highway and roads in Khangabok from 4 pm.
The womenfolk held placards and raised slogans against the abduction and brutal murder, and denounced any attempt to malign the image of the school founder after killing him.
The protesters took out a rally towards the office of the SP Thoubal and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister.
The JAC's memorandum to the CM demanded the Government to identify and arrest all the culprits involved in the murder and award punishment according to the law.
It said the remains of the deceased will not be claimed by the family and the JAC until all persons involved in the murder are arrested.
While abduction for extortion and murder are heinous crimes, the Government must take up strict actions to curb such incidents in the future.
The JAC along with the people will hold stringent agitation until the Government meets the demands, said the JAC.
It further said the locals of Khangabok have resolved to boycott the proscribed outfit, and advised other groups against harassing people while making monetary demands.