ITLF, CoTU condemn killing; pitch for AFSPA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal/Kpi, September 12 2023:
In the aftermath of killing of three people belonging to Kuki-Zo community at a place between Ireng and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district early Tuesday morning, Kuki-Zo organisations including ITLF and CoTU have strongly condemned the killing.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 6.30am Tuesday at a spot located around 11km from Singda/Kangchup area of Imphal West district.
Immediately after getting the news, troops of 32 Assam Rifles rushed to the area and conducted a search operation but no arrest was made.
The troops came across the three bodies lying at the area, retrieved the bodies and handed them over to Kangpokpi police station for necessary action.
According to our Kangpokpi correspondent, deceased Ngamminlun Kipgen of Lhangkichoi village was general secretary of Thadou Artistes' Association.
Tension gripped Kangpokpi district following the incident as all shops in Kangpokpi town along the National Highway-2 road were closed while thousands of people congregated at Gamgiphai to receive the bodies.
A condolence service under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills (CoTU) Kangpokpi was held at Motbung community hall, where thousands across Kangpokpi mourned the trio while vehemently condemning the brutal killing.
Various prominent civil society organisations and CoTU also paid tribute to the departed souls while a minute silence was observed as well.
Kuki-Zo volunteers paid gun salute to the departed souls before a befitting burial was conducted at Martyr's Cemetery at Phaijang village in Kangpokpi district.
Strongly condemning the killing, CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit reiterated its demand for re-imposition of the Armed Forces Special Power Act in the valley.
He said that the cold-blooded murder of three innocent Kuki-Zo village volunteers will not be tolerated and befitting action will be taken against stray Meetei people trespassing into the hills.