Bodies, MP Dr Lorho condemn brutal kitting of Athuan Abonmai
Youth Congress holds candlelight vigil, police disrupt tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service / NNN

Imphal, September 24 2021: Several individuals and organisations continue to express vehement condemnation over the abduction and killing of Zeliangrong Baudi former president Athuan Abonmai and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze extended condolences to the bereaved family members and strongly condemned the abduction and brutal killing of Athuan Abonmai by unknown miscreants.

Decrying the brutal and cold blooded" murder of Athuan Abonmai by unidentified miscreants, Global Liangmai Forum (GLF) expressed anguish and distress that "such a savage and uncultured act" is still occurring in a civilised and globalised society.

"Today, war is won by pen and knowledge but not by the barrel of a gun," said GLF in a press statement.

It also said that the killing of Athuan Abonmai "reminds us" of the times of autocratic regimes like that of Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy.

"Being human beings, every individual entity is entitled to have his/her opinion regarding any issues concerning humanity," it also said.

"That doesn't mean a human being can be eliminated from the surface of the world by anyone with the barrel of the gun at any point of time," it further said, while adding, "We the civilised community living on the surface of the earth can always agree to disagree and that's the only way out for brighter and peaceful co-existence".

GLF appealed to all concerned entities that such acts of cruelty may not be repeated in the future.

GLF also urged the law enforcing authorities to nab the culprits who had carried out the gruesome murder of Athuan and justice be delivered at the earliest.

Denouncing the inhuman act of killing Athuan Abonmai on September 22, Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress and National Students Union of India (NSUI) organised a candlelight vigil at Kangla gate on Friday evening.

A rally led by MPCC general secretary MD Amin Shah and S Jiten was taken out from Congress Bhawan to the northern Kangla gate and candles were lit at the photo of Athuan Abonmai.

The otherwise solemn event came to an abrupt end as police personnel halted the march and tore placards inscribed with words demanding justice for Abonmai.

Condemning the police act, a Youth Congress protester remarked that in view of the actions of the police towards the peaceful protest, the government might never deliver justice to Abonmai.

Youth Congress and NSUI will continue to launch several forms of protest until justice is served, the protestor added.

Luangdimai Citizens' Forum while expressing shock over the killing of Athuan, demanded that culprits and the organisation responsible for the crime be brought to justice at the earliest.

A release by its media and publicity cell endorsed demands of the Joint Action Committee against the brutal killing of Athuan Abonmai.

It said Abonmai was a man of high integrity, a fearless and outspoken leader against any wrongdoings and injustice in the society.

He believed in peaceful coexistence of all people whether in the hills or valley.

It is tragic that Naga people engaged in a peace process with the government of India cannot tolerate a critic and, chose to brutally kill and silence him forever.

"However, we believe that the ideals and actions of Abonmai will continue to inspire the Zeliangrong/Luangdimai community," it said.

On the other hand, United Women Organization Tamenglong (UWOT) expressed serious concern over the unprecedented event that unfolded during the "Go To Hills 2.0" event jointly organised by the Tamenglong district administration and Joint Tribe Council on September 22 in Tamenglong District.

UWOT condemned the murder without passing any death sentence or judgment pronounced by a regular constituted/competent court and urged upon all sections of the community to put an end to all forms of violence.

In separate releases, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Joint Students' Coordinating Committee (JSCC), Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU), People's Action for National Democratic Movement (PANDM), Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS), All Manipur Ethnical Socio-cultural Organisation (AMESCO), Leihou Khunai Kanba Luptin (LKKL), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Pangal Students' Organisation (PSO) and Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee extended condolences to the bereaved family of Athuan Abonmai and also accused the state government of alleged failure to protect him.

All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMU-CO), Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) also condemned the brutal killing of Athuan Abonmai and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.

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