Imphal, May 13: In a reverse case of the Heirok incident where people demanded guns to defend themselves after some civilians were shot dead by UG cadres, the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Wangkheimayum Shyamjai of Ngangkhalawai has asked the State Government to issue them guns for self-defence after security personnel killed Shyamjai.

A statement issued by the JAC informed that this resolution to demand guns was adopted during a public meeting held at Ngangkhalawai ground today.

Strongly contending that Wangkheimayum Shyamjai shot dead by troops of 15 J&K Light Infantry at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou under Bishnupur police station at about 3.30 am of May 11 was an innocent citizen, the meeting condemned the stoic silence of the State Government on the issue.

The JAC asserted that Shyamjai was pulled by troops of 15 J&K Light Infantry at about 11 am of May 8 before he was shot dead in cold blood after three days on May 11 in a fake encounter.

Maintaining that the JAC and the people cannot accept the army's version that Shyamjai was killed in an encounter, it alleged that the State Government's inaction against the extra-judicial killing perpetrated by security forces only shows that the State Government is unable to protect the lives of its citizens and has failed abjectly in its duty.

Under such circumstances, the meeting resolved to demand guns for self-defence, it conveyed.

The meeting also resolved to impose indefinite bandh along Tidim road with effect from 5 am tomorrow.

Informing that protest sittings will also be staged from tomorrow, the JAC urged upon the State Government to award fitting punishment to the personnel of 15 J&K Light Infantry involved in the killing of Shyamjai at the earliest.

In case the Government fails to act against the 15 J&K Light Infantry, the JAC would not budge from its stand nor suspension its agitation, it conveyed.

As per the third resolution adopted during the public meeting, the JAC has also geared up to launch various movements from tomorrow demanding withdrawal of all the 'black laws' being enforced in Manipur.

It also sought cooperation and support from all civil society organisations of the State towards its movement.

It further demanded institution of a judicial enquiry into the killing of Shyamjai at the earliest and to punish the security personnel involved in the killing accordingly.

The meeting also resolved not to claim the corpse of Wangkheimayum Shyamjai until all the demands are fulfilled.

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