Sit-in protests arrest; Sugnu bodies seek capital punishment
Source: Chronicle News Service

CCpur/Kak, January 16 2024: Even as Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) and Kuki Women Union (KWU), Tengnoupal district on Tuesday jointly organised sit-in protest at Tengnoupal Bazar in denunciation of the arrest of KIT executive Philip Khaikholal Khongsai and K Moulsang village chief Hemkholal Mate by the police in Moreh on Monday, a similar demonstration held at Sugnu Keithel demanded stringent punishment of Philip Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, who were arrested in connection with the killing of Moreh SDPO Ch Anandkumar.

During the Tengnoupal sit-in, the agitators demanded release of the leaders claiming that they are innocent.

Stating that the presence of police commandos is detrimental to peace in the border town, they further demanded withdrawal of the police commando from Moreh.

Meanwhile, a protest was staged by people at Sugnu Keithel on Tuesday demanding stringent punishment of Philip and Hemkholal.

Sugnu Keithel ceased business for the day as various organisations in Sugnu, meira paibi activists and public protested and chanted slogans demanding capital punishment of the culprits involved in killing of SDPO Anandkumar.

Speaking to media persons, Sugnu Apunba Meira Paibi Lup secretary Aheibam Chanthoisana observed that the demand raised by Kuki womenfolk for release of the prime suspects in the killing of Ch Anandkumar underscores their criminal intent.

She also insisted that the state government should under no circumstance release Philip and Hemkholal but initiate process for their capital punishment in accordance to law of the land.

Chanthoisana further cautioned that if the two were released without the knowledge of public, then the state might face unprecedented situation.

Stressing that the chief minister should take effective measures for resolving the conflict, she also opined that the CM may remain in power but must ensure that such criminals do not go scot-free.

Mention may be made that a joint team comprising special commando unit and Moreh police had on Monday arrested Philip and Hemkholal from near the Moreh College along with arm, ammunition and explosive.

According to police report, the two individuals opened fire on the police vehicle and sought refuge in a nearby cluster of houses.

Responding swiftly, the combined team retaliated, cordoning off the suspected houses.

The operation resulted in a chase, overpowering and subsequent arrest of Philip Khongsai, son of Marcus Khongsai, of New Moreh Ward No.8, and Hemkholal Mate, son of Onkholun Mate.

The recoveries include a pistol with two live rounds of ammunition, a Chinese hand grenade, 10 live rounds of AK series ammunition, and 10 detonators with fuse.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals held leadership positions in the Moreh Defence Force/Village Volunteers Force Moreh.

Notably, Philip is the prime suspect in the killing of SDPO Anandkumar on October 31, 2023, at Moreh while clearing a school ground for construction of a helipad.

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