Condemnations pour in against killing of innocent students
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2023: Condemnation continue to pour in from all corners against the abduction, merciless torture, and murder of two innocent students, Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi who went missing on July 6 last.

The Women Action for Development (WAD) has expressed shock and deep concern over the brutal murder of two students, who have been missing since July 6, 2023 .

In a release, WAD also condemned the excessive use of force by State and Central Security Forces against unarmed students who were expressing their shock, anger and helplessness about the brutal killing of their fellow students.

WAD asserted that without any warning, Security Forces opened fire upon the innocent and unarmed students with unauthorized weapons which are beyond the weapons assigned to control the mobs such as pellet guns, 12 bore guns, etc.

Condemnations pour in against killing of innocent students

"Security forces entering private property in search of the agitators and beating them black and blue is a serious crime against humanity", it added.

WAD further appealed to the authorities concerned to take immediate action and arrest the culprits involved in the brutal murder of two students & award stringent punishment according to the law of the land; ban the use of rubber bullet, pellet guns, mob bomb, etc, to disperse unarmed students & women protesters; stop crime against humanity by the Central and State forces, initiate enquiry against security personnel to stop violation of human rights; and provide medical treatment of the students who were critically injured during the protest.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Manipur president Salam Joy has also vehemently condemned the gruesome killing of two teenage students, Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi.

Salam Joy asserted that the two innocent lives could have been saved if the State and Central Government were proactive and investigated the matter thoroughly on time.

Extending solidarity to the bereaved families, he said, "State Government should take immediate steps to recover the bodies of the two students and hand them over to their families" .

Patsoi AC MLA Sapam Keba has also expressed sorrow over the brutal killing of two innocent children.

In a release, Sapam Keba said, "Words won't be enough to give comfort or console the bereaved families and also the people of the State in general" .

The MLA said that he has been in constant touch with both the families and the JAC ever since the two children had gone missing in the month of July.

"Upon assurances given from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM N Biren Singh, CBI team has arrived in Manipur and has already started the investigation", he added.

Seeking cooperation of the public in these testing times, Sapam Keba expressed confidence that the perpetrators will be booked and justice will be done at the earliest.

Extending deep condolences over the death of two teenagers Phijam Hemanjit and Linthoingambi Hijam, Wangkhei Assembly Constituency MLA Thangjam Arunkumar has assured to render his services in all efforts to nab and punish the culprits under the law.

In a statement, the Wangkhei AC MLA said that the death of the two young students has left the entire State heartbroken.

Sharing in the grief of the two bereaved families, he urged the people to believe that justice will be delivered.

The MLA has also expressed anguish over the injuries inflicted upon civilians and students alike during their confrontation with the security forces.

Oinam AC MLA Irengbam Nalini Devi has also expressed deep sorrow and condolence over the tragic demise of Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit.

In a release, Nalini Devi informed that the MLAs and Ministers who are currently in Delhi have submitted a memorandum demanding immediate action against the perpetrators to the Union Home Minister on September 26 .

Nalini Devi also shared the grief and pain of the bereaved families.

Adim Pamei, former Vice-chairperson of Manipur State Disaster Management Authority and former state vice president of BJP has also strongly condemned the gruesome killing of two students and added that such barbaric acts should be condemned by all right thinking citizens.

He urged the authorities concerned to thoroughly investigate the tragic incident and award befitting punishment to the culprits.

Adim Pamei also conveyed his anguish over the brutality shown by the Security Forces against the protesting students.

Moreover, All Manipur Nupi Marup, Federation of Haomee and Senior Citizens Club, Manipur have also condemned the brutal killing of two innocent students and excessive use of force by the Security Forces in controlling the students who were protesting the tragic murder.

Meanwhile, Top Khongnangmakhong Nupisingi Lamjing Lup and Eastern Youths Development Association (EYDA) today staged a sit-in protest at EYDA Community Hall against the brutal killing of two innocent students, Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit.

At the sit-in, the protesters displayed placards with the writings such as, "we want peace", "Justice for Linthoingambi and Hemanjit", "Punish the culprits", etc.

The protesters also appealed to the State Government to expedite the investigation into the murder of the two students and award befitting punishment to the culprits at the earliest.

Similar protests were also staged today at Eastern Educational Club Ground jointly by Khurai Ahongei Thangjam Leikai Nupi Kanglup, Khurai Ahongei Leikai Nupi Kanglup and Eastern Education Club; and at Tayenjam Community Hall, Heingang Mayai Leikai by Meira Paibis of the Heingang area.

Moreover, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Manipur also organised a sit-in protest at Canchipur against the killings of two students on Wednesday.

In a release, ABVP said that Linthoingambi and Hemanjit were reported missing on July 6, 2023, and their families had been tirelessly searching for them since.

"It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the receipt of a video depicting their tragic killing on September 25, 2023 which subsequently went viral on social media platforms", it added.

ABVP urged both the State and Central Governments to take immediate and thorough measures to investigate this matter comprehensively, preferably through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI); and take initiative to normalize the situation in Manipur.

Condemning the oppressive actions taken by State Forces against the student community who were protesting the tragic murder of two fellow students on September 27, ABVP requested the authorities to refrain from repeating such action in the future.

Students of Shija Academy of Health Sciences (SAHS) also staged a sit-in on Wednesday to protest the killing of two innocent teenagers and excessive use of force by Security Forces against students protesting the tragic murder on September 26, 2023 .

The protesters also demanded justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible.

Besides, a candlelight was held yesterday at Bhagat Singh Park, Vijay Nagar Single Story, Delhi, to pray for Phijam Premjit and Hijam Lingthoingambi.

A joint release issued by MSAD, UNIKAS Delhi, DAMMS and MAIYOND informed that about 500 students from Manipur took part in candlelight vigil.

The gathering demanded the State Government to take responsibility for their death and ensure justice in an expedited manner.

The gathering also condemned the dastardly actions of the State Police forces and the Indian military against the peaceful march of the students at Imphal on Wednesday.