Action against use of lethal weapons to control mob assurance given
Guilty will not be spared : CM talks tough
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the two students and assured that those involved in the heinous crime will not be spared and awarded befitting punishment as per the law.

The Chief Minister made the statement during a press conference convened this evening at his official bungalow.

He said that the killing of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi is one of the most merciless and inhumane acts.

The world should condemn it in the strongest terms, he said.

The Chief Minister maintained that the State Government, since the receipt of the complaint of their disappearance, carried out intensive search and the Government has records of tracking their mobile phones.

Action against use of lethal weapons to control mob assurance given

The Government takes the case seriously and to give more teeth to the investigation of the case, the State Government roped in CBI on August 28, he said.

As per State Government's request, a 5-member team of CBI led by Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar arrived today.

The team, which also includes a DIG rank official, swung into action as soon as they arrived and will meet him later in the day, he said.

"In light of the development and considering the high level probe being underway, it is my request that people of Manipur, specially the student community to exercise restraint and remain calm," he said.

He also appealed to CSOs and Meira Paibis to have faith in the Government and help curtail unrest and agitation.

The perpetrators will be booked very soon and justice will surely be delivered, he said.

It may be noted that Phijam Hemanjit of Takyel Kolom Leikai and Hijam Linthoingambi of Tera Tongbram Leikai were missing since July 6 after they went out together on a motorcycle.

After 82 days, the photos of the post and prior to the killing of the duo went viral on social media platforms hinting that they were held captives and killed in cold-blood.

The Chief Minister went on to express sadness over the injuries caused to the students and public during police actions at high security and sensitive zones.

"I share the pain of the injured students," he added.

He also maintained that he will not remain silent if there is any incident of use of any lethal weapon in controlling mobs from the State force's side.

If any personnel is involved in such an act, a thorough enquiry will be conducted and stringent action will be taken up, he said.

The students have all the right to protest and they are free to do so, but they should not indulge in excessive activities including pelting stones and use of slingshots towards security personnel, he said.

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said that he has come across the viral video of a team of JAT Regiment beating a student by forcing him to lie flat on the road at Moirangkhom this afternoon.

He has also sought a report from the DGP regarding the incident, he said.

It is learnt that the stones were pelted to the army personnel.

Details of whether the State had sought the help of army and Assam Rifles to control the mob can only be ascertained after receiving the report of the DGP, he added.

N Biren went on to inform that 25 companies of central forces and 2 companies of Rapid Action Force had been deployed in 23 places of Churachandpur district.

He continued that a process has been taken up to deploy 3 companies of Central force in Behiang, maintaining that the Government is taking up steps to enforce law and order.

Concluding his briefing, the Chief Minister informed the State Government is in constant communication with the Union Home Minister regarding the current situation in the State and all steps have been taken up to restore peace under the supervision of the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister.

(With DIPR inputs) .