MLA's brother among 6 held in Rohit murder case
Sit-in protests killing; Bodies demand stringent punishment of culprits
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, December 24 2021: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed in connection with the death of Ningthoujam Rohit, a college student who was gunned down in the poll- related violence that took place between workers of Congress and BJP in Heirok AC, Thoubal district on the intervening night of December 21 and 22, has arrested six people involved in the incident on Friday.

One of the arrestee has been identified as the younger brother of MLA Thokchom Radheshyam, named Thokchom Bishworjit Singh alias Putro (40) s/o Th Ibochouba Singh of Heirok Part-II Thokchom Leikai.

The remaining five are Thokchom Henrik alias Naobi Singh (29) s/o Th Ibosana Singh of Heirok Part-I Mayai Leikai; Khundongbam Nicky alias Anju Singh (33) s/o Kh Raghuchandra Singh and Laishram Biken Singh (23) s/o L Bimol Singh Heirok Part-II Mayai Leikai; Ningthoujam Panan Singh (30) s/o N Muhindro Singh of Heirok Part-III Tourangbam Leikai; and Thokchom Sanathoi alias Lai Singh (34) s/o Th Dijen alias Lakpati Singh of Heirok Part-II Mayai Leikai.

All six arrested people are being detailed in Thoubal police station for further interrogation and will be produced before Thoubal Court on Saturday.

Mention may be made here that the SIT led by Thoubal district police additional SP (Ops) Soibam Sachidananda was formed by the Home Department following the incident in Heirok AC wherein Ningthoujam Rohit and his father were shot on the intervening night of December 21 and 22.Rohit later died of his injuries.

Meanwhile, a sit-in protest was staged by students and locals at Sikhong Bazar community hall in Heirok AC on Friday, demanding justice to Ningthoujam Rohit, who was shot dead during the clash between Congress and BJP workers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the sit-in, a student named P Raneldrajit urged against victimising students, while condemning the brutal killing of Rohit in connection with the upcoming polls.

He then urged the government to take up appropriate action in the matter.

Local Meira Paibi leader L Chaobi also condemned the killing of an innocent student and urged the state government to prevent a repeat of such incidents in the future.

During the sit-in, the protesters shout,ed slogans and held placards inscribed with wordings like "We condemn killing of students", "Punish the murderers", "We condemn the murder of Rohit", etc.

On the other hand, security forces are strictly enforcing the curfew imposed in Heirok by Thoubal District Magistrate since Thursday 5pm to prevent any unwanted incidents.

Police commandos of Thoubal, Imphal West and Kakching districts are enforcing the curfew in various places.

So far, no unwanted incidents have been reported since the curfew was imposed.

During the curfew, other than pharmacies and stores selling essential items, all shops remained closed.

There was also reduced movement of people and vehicles on the roads.

CM N Biren Singh on Thursday visited Ningthoujam Premchand and Kh Rakesh Singh, who were injured in the incident in Heirok and are currently undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity.

While denouncing the pre-poll violence in Heirok that led to the death of Rohit on December 21, All Manipur Nupi Marup, All Meitei Pangal Students' Union of Manipur (AMPSUM) and Socialist Students' Union of Manipur (SSUM) have demanded authorities concerned to ensure stringent punishment to all those involved in the incident.

In separate releases, the organisations lamented that the government remained as silent spectator despite the poll related violence that led to demolition of houses, thrashing of people and firing in Heirok AC.

Though the security forces are valiant against civilians, they could not tackle such and-social elements.

Despite the claims of the CM that law and order has been improved in the state, some areas of Manipur seem to be lawless, the releases added.

The organisations also demanded suspension of Thoubal district police SP, additional SP, OC including Heirok PS OC on the ground that they failed to arrest and punish timely those involved in the pre-poll violent incidents occurring in Heirok AC for last two months.

They also shared pain of the bereaved family and assured support in the movements launched by JAC against the death of Rohit.

Comment