Ukhrul rallies against gruesome killing, demands justice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 25 2009: In an exquisite display of solidarity with the bereaved family members of Dr Th Kishan, A Rajen and Y Token as well strongly condemning their brutal killing, the people of Ukhrul today staged a massive rally at the district headquarters followed by a public meeting at Tangkhul Naga Long ground.

People of Ukhrul staging a rally against the gruesome killing and public meeting at TNL ground

Spearheaded by the Tangkhul Naga Long, the rally backed by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long and others started from two points - Dungrei Junction and Kharasom Junction and converged at the TNL ground.

At the TNL ground the rallyists observed a two minute silence to pay respect to the departed souls.

Addressing the huge gathering at TNL ground, member of the Tangkhul Elders' Forum LM Ngaranmi and president of TNL Stephen Angkang demanded that the culprits should be penalised under the legal process or as per the Tangkhul customary laws.

All commercial centres and shops in Ukhrul remained closed for the day to make the rally a success.

To enable school and college students to participate in the rally, all educational establishments 'practically closed' for the day.

Shops and other commercial activities resumed after the rally.

During the rally, participated by hundreds of people, the rallyists carried placards and festoons emblazoned with the slogans, "We condemn the Despicable Murder of Dr Th Kishan, A Rajen and Y Token," "Our Solidarity and Deepest Sympathy to the Bereaved Families" and "We Want Peace Not Kidnappings/Killings".

Interacting with the media later at the office of the TNL, its president Stephen Angkang said that they are deeply hurt by the inhuman killing of Dr Kishan and his tow subordinate staff.

The NSCN (IM) has already admitted that the killing was carried out by its cadres, he said that added that it is extremely hard to check the activities of the criminally minded people.

Let there be no communal flare up because of the brutal and inhuman conduct of some demented minds, added the TNL president.

Talking on the issue of the peace talk between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), Angkang said that the peace process has ushered in tranquility.

During the long years of confrontation between the Naga rebel group and the Government of India, numerous lives have been lost, he said and added that the Naga people now want peace after experiencing all those gory days.

However if any voice is raised against the peace process then the peace loving people may have to go somewhere else, which will only aggravate the situation he added.

Appealing against politicising the brutal killing of Dr Kishan and his two subordinates, Stephen Angkang expressed concern that some elements have started to search for Tangkhuls, possibly with a motive, settled in Senapati district.