Chiru Union, bodies condemn killing of Merangir
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 17 2024: Chiru Union, North East India (NEI) strongly condemned the torture and consequent death of MS Merangir (47), son of Someng of Kangchup Chiru village, on July 15 at Kangchup Chingkhong under Lamsang police station after he summoned for talks allegedly by an armed group.

In a release, Chiru Union, NEI appealed to the people of the state not to discriminate and terrorise minority tribal community.

Whatever accusation levelled against the accused (Merangir) could have been sorted out in a humane manner guided by a collective wisdom of major communities in these trying times, it said, while appealing to the government for ensuring justice by booking the culprits and honourable reparation to the bereaved family as the victim left behind his wife and four young children.

Similarly, United Naga Council (UNC) and COCOMI, "in no uncertain terms", condemned the "cool blooded murder" of Merangir Chiru of Kangchup Chiru village on July 15 by an "armed miscreant" .

The two organisations, in a joint statement issued Thursday, also said that the entire communities are aghast by the "inhumane act of violence meted out against the innocent civilian and we are deeply saddened by the loss of a precious life" .

The statement then said that COCOMI came forward expressing "their regret" over the incident by owning up its moral responsibility.

COCOMI also expressed "their utmost concern" to the victim's family and the community by ensuring their best cooperation to resolve the matter amicably.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones and dear ones and we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time," the joint statement further said, adding, "We stand for justice for the victim and the family.

We had categorically pressed the authority to book all the culprits involved and investigate this heinous crime thoroughly and bring the matter in the limelight of justice and ensure the welfare and future security of the victim's family".

The bodies also said that the matter had been resolved amicably as per the Naga customary law.

As such, the UNC and the COCOMI appealed to both communities to refrain from further escalation with regard to the unfortunate incident.

They also fervently appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and tranquillity amongst the communities.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) too condemned the brutal murder of Merangir Mechek Chiru of Kangchup Chiru village, Kangpokpi district on July 15.In a release, KIM general secretary Khaikhohauh Gangte contended that the viral video posted on social media platforms confirmed that Merangir was tortured, interrogated and charged by the captors of being an informer of Kuki-Zo communities and made confess under duress of taking Rs 20,000 from the Kuki-Zo.

Stating that Merangir had no connection with the present Kuki-Zo and Meetei conflict, KIM dismissed the accusations levelled against him as baseless and timorous propaganda just cover inhuman and disingenuous acts of the captors.

KIM also recounted that armed groups opposed to the Kuki-Zo's aspiration had in the past threatened minority tribal to create a climate of fear including on September 16, 2023 when one Serto Thangthang Kom (41), a soldier in the Defence Service Corps (DSC) on leave, was abducted from his Tarung house in Imphal and shot dead, while on July 15, 2023 Lucy Maring (55), a woman with mental illness, was shot dead.

The list goes on, it maintained.

"As fellow Christians, we share a strong bond with the villagers of not only Kangchup Chiru but also with all the tribals in the area.

So, despite having close affinities with them, we respect the identity and feelings of these minority tribes while they choose to maintain neutrality in the ongoing conflict," it said.

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