Let NIA take over murder case of Athuan Abonmai: State Govt to Centre
JAC talks with Govt, stands firm on demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 26 2021: Representatives of the JAC Against the Brutal Murder of Athuan Abonmai talked with Chief Minister N Biren this morning, even as the State Government has reportedly written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue necessary instruction to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the murder case of the former Zeliangrong Baudi president.

In a letter addressed to the Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs, Special Secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash said that Athuan Abonmai was found dead on September 22 at Pallong village, Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district under Tamei police station.

"As the above act is suspected to be carried out by the NSCN (IM) cadres and in view of the sensitive nature of the case and possible inter-State ramification, it is felt that the case is fit for investigation by the NIA", read the letter.

Let NIA take over murder case of Athuan Abonmai: State Govt to Centre

Even though post mortem examination of Athuan Abonmai's body was agreed at the meeting, the JAC stood firm on its decision and refused to claim the mortal remains.

Speaking to media persons at the residence of late Athuan Abonmai this afternoon, JAC convenor Majabung Gangmei conveyed that they held a meeting with the Chief Minister at 10 this morning at the invitation of the latter.

The meeting lasted for almost one hour and the JAC made it clear that they would not budge from their position as highlighted to the State Government through a memorandum.

The convenor decried that the Government is yet to fulfil any of the demands put forward through the memorandum.

During the meeting with the Chief Minister, it was learnt that the State Government had already initiated due process to hand over the brutal murder case of Athuan Abonmai to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Acknowledging this particular step of the State Government, it was agreed to conduct post mortem examination of Athuan's body tomorrow in presence of JAC members and a video recorder (camera man).

However, the mortal remains would not be claimed but kept at RIMS mortuary until the demands of the JAC are fulfilled.

The meeting came to an understanding to this effect, Majabung Gangmei said.

Even though N Biren gave assurance to meet the demands of the JAC, there would be no change in the course of action announced earlier.

Sit-in protest, bandh and general strike would go on.

As announced by the JAC earlier, a sit-in protest was staged at Langol Tarung Grace Colony against the barbaric murder of Athuan Abonmai.

The protesters used placards and banners which read "Freedom of speech cannot be silenced by brutal killing", "This is savagery, barbaric and cowardly act", "Punish the culprits", "We demand justice", etc.

Similar protest demonstrations would be staged at 10 locations tomorrow including Ramgailong, Namthanlong Part-2, Guigailong, Tarung, Neikhanlong, Tharon, Dimdaijang, Namthanlong, Lungdaijang and Majorkhul, said the JAC convenor.

He further appealed to all the local clubs and women societies to join and support the protest demonstrations tomorrow.