Imphal, November 27 2009: The body of former chief of Thayong village L Rejamkhup Kom, who was shot dead in the intervening night of November 25 and 25 by armed persons suspected to be cadres of a Kuki UG group which is a signatory of Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Centre and the State Government, has been claimed by the family members today.

The body has been claimed following a meeting between Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and representatives of the JAC formed in protest against the killing and Komrem Union, Manipur last evening.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly gave his assurances on the demands highlighted in a memorandum submitted earlier.

Contending that the killing was the fallout of objection to the pursuit of forcing Komrem people to merge with Kuki tribe, the memorandum had demanded opening of a security post at Thayong village, payment of Rs 10 lakhs ex-gratia to the bereaved family, appointment of one of the dependants to a suitable Govt post under die-in-harness scheme and booking of the killers for giving befitting punishment within a week.

According to general secretary of Komrem Union, Manipur Boyesh Kom, during the meeting, the Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and gave his assurance on fulfilling the demands.

Meanwhile, condemning the killing, Komrem Union, Manipur president John L Karong has stated that Komrem are peace loving people who believe in peaceful coexistence.

He also appealed to all concerned to restrain from repeating such inhumane act in future.

After the post-mortem examination, the body was Rejamkhup Kom was taken to his native village where the last rite was performed.

Health Minister Ph Parijat, leaders of Komrem community and organisations, khullakpas of Komrem villages and people of the neighbouring villages were present at the occasion.

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