Lilong tragedy: Many condemn, demand punishment for perpetrators
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 02 2024:
Many organisations of the State have strongly condemned yesterday night's tragic incident at Lilong Chingjao wherein armed miscreants opened indiscriminate gunfire at civilians leaving four dead and at least ten injured.
Denouncing this act of violence, a statement issued by Mutum Churamani Meetei, secretary administration, Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MTU) made it clear that the deplorable incident is devoid of any communal angle and appealed against inviting another dispute in the midst of an ongoing conflict.
MTU also commended the Meitei Pangal and Meitei CSOs and the public for ensuring that common sense prevailed and preventing any unfortunate incidents.
In addition, MTU urged people from either community to refrain from spreading baseless rumours, offensive videos and images or interacting with such problematic posts.
Condemning the incident, the Hangamthabi Youth Club (HYC) has appealed to the State Government to dole out stringent punishment to the perpetrators involved.
The Club has also prohibited any organisations from collecting monetary donations in areas under its jurisdiction, said a statement issued by Md Yunus Khan, general secretary, HYC.
Anyone collecting donations for the welfare of Manipur should inform the local club and carry out the process in a transparent manner with the cooperation of the respective clubs, it added.
Similarly, Salaai Kanba Lup (CC) has urged the Government to take appropriate measures under the law against the aforementioned armed miscreants.
The statement issued by secretary general Maalemkhonba A also made a widespread appeal to avoid giving any communal colour to the tragedy and circulating rumours.
SKL thus earnestly appealed to both communities to maintain calm and reflect instead of stoking unrest.
Pangal Students' Organisation (PSO), Manipur has expressed anguish over yesterday's incident which happened at the residence of one Md Hassan at Lilong Chingjao under Thoubal district.
A statement issued by Mk Sadik, publicity secretary, PSO also extended solidarity to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones.
PSO then demanded stringent punishment against the armed miscreants responsible for the tragedy.
The statement also appealed groups/organisations from venturing into residential areas after dark armed with guns and bombs.
Lastly, Irong Chesaba Development Forum (ICDF) and many local clubs of Tulihal have also strongly condemned the Lilong incident and shared in the grief of the bereaved families.