Many condemn gruesome killing of innocent students
candlelight vigil, sit-ins staged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2023: The Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) has expressed deep sorrow and condemnation over the horrific and senseless killing of two innocent students, a minor, Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit, in Manipur.

In a release, AMA also condemned the killing of students Irengbam Chingkheinganba and his cousin Sagolshem Ngaleiba.

"The videos of their torture and execution by Kuki militants have sent shockwaves across the nation.

The heart-wrenching incidents have shaken our collective conscience and highlighted the urgent need for justice and an end to violence in the region", said AMA.

Pointing out that Linthoingambi and Hemjit were last seen on July 6, 2023, in Bishnupur, AMA stated that their lives were tragically cut short under circumstances that defy comprehension and the chilling photographs that have emerged on social media, depicting the victims moments before their execution and their lifeless bodies, are a stark reminder of the cruelty that has befallen these innocent lives.

Many condemn gruesome killing of innocent students

"The look of fear in their eyes will haunt us forever, etching an indelible image in our hearts and minds.

It serves as a solemn reminder of our collective responsibility to seek justice for them and to ensure that such horrors never befall any innocent soul again", it added.

In regard to the Manipur Government's promise of 'swift and decisive' action in response to this horrifying revelation, AMA asserted that delay in bringing justice to these innocent lives amidst the backdrop of ethnic violence in the region raises serious questions about the efficiency of the investigation process.

The association urged the State and Central Government to intervene and pressure armed militants to 'return' the bodies of Hijam Linthoingambi, Phijam Hemjit, Irengbam Chingkheinganba, and Sagolshem Ngaleiba so that their families can perform last rites.

"We express our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and loved ones.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Manipur as we seek answers, justice, and an end to the violence that has plagued our homeland", AMA concluded.

The Global Manipur Federation (GMF) has also mourned the tragic death of two teenagers, Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit, who had been missing since July 6 .

In a release, GMF emphatically demanded swift and unwavering justice for the brutal murders of these two young lives.

"This brutal murder of two Meitei teenagers serves as yet another stark reminder of the relentless violence inflicted by Chin-Kuki-Zo militants", said GMF while adding that this killing comes close on the heels of other alleged inhumane killing of Irengbam Chingkheinganba and Sagolsem Nganleiba by suspected Kuki militants on July 4 .

GMF also expressed disappointment over the characterisation of these tragic deaths as "honour killings" and lamented that it is a disheartening attempt to obscure the truth and perpetuate Kuki Lies.

Denouncing all forms of violence from both sides, GMF implored the Biren Singh Government to take urgent action, bring an end to this turmoil and restore peace in the State.

GMF also extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit during this extraordinarily challenging time.

The Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) has also expressed deep shock and sorrow over the barbaric, inhuman and tragic killing of two Meitei students by unidentified miscreants.

"Words are inadequate to express our profound grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of these young promising lads and a girl whose lives have been cut short by this unforeseen event", said MNRF in a release.

The Front asserted that the loss of these two precious lives have taken the State by storm with students supported by Meira Paibis protesting vehemently against the killing of the duo and the State Government unable to book & arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crimes.

MNRF shared that as reported earlier, Hijam Linthoingambi and her friend Phijam Hemanjit went missing on July 6, 2023 after they went out of home for a coaching class.

After both the families filed missing person reports with Imphal West district police, the Police started the investigation and found CCTV footage showing the two riding a KTM bike towards Nambol from a coaching centre at Keishampat.

"Our heart goes out to the bereaved families at this hour of grief and sorrow and prays earnestly to Almighty God that they will have the courage and strength to bear the irreparable loss.

We also pray for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace", it added.

The MNRF further urged both the warring communities to shun violence and seek peace at the earliest in the overall interest of the entire people of Manipur.

The Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturer's Welfare Association (MGHSLWA) has also strongly condemned the brutal killing of two students and expressed heartfelt condolences to their families.

In a release, MGHSLWA appealed to the authorities concerned to conduct a thorough investigation into this heinous crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The association also highlighted that it is essential to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future and strict measures are taken up to safeguard the well-being of students.

Extending solidarity to the members of the bereaved family, MGHSLWA prayed that may God grant solace & peace to the departed souls.

The Shillong Manipuri Students' Union (SMSU) has also expressed distress and sorrow over the viral images depicting the tragic fate of two young, innocent students from Manipur, namely late Phijam Hemanjit Singh and late Luwangbi Linthoingambi Hijam.

In a release, the SMSU vehemently condemned the abduction, merciless torture, and murder of these two innocent students by Kuki militants, who are purportedly under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India.

"These students were held captive by Kuki militants at an undisclosed location before they met a tragic end.

These heart-wrenching events unfolded on social media, casting a shadow of sorrow on September 25th, 2023", it added.

The Union earnestly implored the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to refrain from being mere spectators and take resolute actions to promptly quell the ethnic violence.

The Union also called upon the Government to reconsider abrogating the SoO agreement with the Kuki militants, as their activities are not only illegal but also inhumane, causing immense suffering to the people of the State, with no visible signs of any constructive development stemming from their presence.

The Union further demanded justice for the grieving families of the deceased students and insisted on expeditious legal actions against the culprits involved.

Meanwhile, Peace & Integrity Committee (PIC) Kiyamgei and Kiyamgei Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Lup today staged a sit-in protest demanding justice for two innocent students, Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit who were brutally killed by Kuki terrorists.

At the sit-in, women folk observed two minute silence to condole the tragic demise of the two students and shouted various slogans such as, "We condemn killing of innocent students", "Punish Kuki terrorist involved in the brutal murder of students", "Award capital punishment to the culprits", etc.

Speaking to the media, PIC convenor Chingakham Meghachandra condemned the brutal and senseless killing of the two innocent students who went missing on July 6 last.

Denouncing the excessive use of force by Security Forces against unarmed students who were protesting the tragic demise and demanding justice for the two innocent souls, Meghachandra asserted that in a democratic country, it is the responsibility of the Administration/ Government to hear the grievances/ complaints of the public.

"However, the State Government instead of listening to the grievances of the thousands of students who were grieving, unleashed well armed security forces against the students, fired tear gas shells and physically assaulted them like animals with batons", said Meghachandra while adding that in the protest held on Tuesday about 60 students were injured.

He further urged the Manipur Police Department to not use excessive force against innocent students and instead show its strength against the culprits who were involved in the brutal murder of the two children and book them within 48 hours.

Similar protests demanding justice for Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit were also staged today by Khurai Apunba Meira Lup and Lamlong Keithel Phambi Nupi Lup, and Laipham Khunou Apunba Meira Lup.

Besides, Manipur Diaspora Association Chandigarh and Manipur Students Associations, Chandigarh today organised a Silent Candlelight Vigil at Student Centre, Punjab University, Chandigarh to pray for Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit, and restoration of peace in Manipur.

Manipuris settled in Chandigarh and students took part in the Candlelight Vigil.

The participants also observed two minute of silence to pray for those who have lost their lives in the present conflict.