Many condemn Jiribam killings, demand AFSPA scrap
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 18 2024: All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMWOVA) and Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) have issued a joint declaration to launch movement for complete repeal of the Armed Forces' Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.

Announcing the declaration in a press meet held at AMUCO's Kwakeithel office on Monday, AMUCO vice president Sanjoy Sorokhaibam said that the four bodies would launch various protests demanding the removal of AFSPA completely from the state.

The slogans to be used during the protests are "Killing women and children are acts of terrorism", "Stop terrorist acts immediately", "Stop killing women and children", "Revoke AFSPA completely from Manipur", "We condemn imposition of draconian law in Manipur", "Arrest and punish the killers", 'We condemn India's hand in sowing discord between indigenous communities", "Manipur's territorial integrity cannot be disturbed", etc.

The bodies will continue to protest until their demands are fulfilled, he said, and appealed to the people to extend their support in this regard.

Meanwhile, sit-in protests and slogans calling for withdrawal of AFSPA, declaring Kuki militants as terrorists and demanding strict punishment of those involved in the abduction and killing of three women and three children in Jiribam, were staged in various places on Monday.

The IDPs staying at Kabo Leikai North AOC relief camp along with the local population staged the protest at Kabo Leikai on Monday, demanding the revocation of AFSPA and condemning the government's continued silence over the killing of six women and children in Jiribam.

The protestors held placards inscribed with slogans like "Why is Modi silent ?", "Abrogate SoO with baby killers", "No Kukiland in Manipur", and "Remove AFSPA, Stop killing innocent".

Locals of Khurai also staged protests at Lamlong Keithel on Monday, shouting slogans for revocation of AFSPA, declaring the 10 Kuki MLAs as supports of terrorists, declaring Kuki militants as terrorists and condemning the killing of six women and children in Jiribam.

In continuation of the protests, seven women dressed in black and wearing black masks as a form of silent protest arrived at Khwairamband Keithel and participated in the protest staged by COCOMI in the market.

Students of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Langol also staged a sit-in protest in front of the Institute's gate condemning the abduction and subsequent killing of the three women and children in Jiribam.

Meanwhile, the relay hunger strike by Uripok Apunba Lup (UAL) and Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup (UNAL), demanding for all Kuki organisations be declared terrorist organisations and arrest of all culprits involved in the abduction and subsequent killing of six civilians in Jiribam, completed three days on Monday.

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) Jiribam unit also condemned the abduction of six civilians including three children and subsequent rape and murder by Kuki militants, They also decried re-imposition of AFSPA and demanded immediate withdrawal of the recent order.

COCOMI Jiribam spokesperson Y Ibomcha termed the burning alive of two elderly men in Jakuradhor under Borobekra sub-division of on November 11, abduction of six civilians including children, and subsequent rape and murder of the hostages as heinous crime and act of terror.

He demanded the Centre and the state government to book the perpetrators and bring them to justice at the earliest.

He also demanded the Central government to withdraw its recent order to re-impose AFSPA in areas under six police stations of the state, terminate Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants, and declare them as terrorist organisations.

At the same time, a public meeting held at Lamjao Mayai Leikai Panthoibi Shanglen on Sunday expressed strong condemnation against the abduction, rape and murder of six civilians including three children.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of tribute to the victims' soul.

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation Manipur also decried the rape and murder of the six hostages by Kuki militants.

On the other-hand, in connection with the death of a student in Jiribam who was shot dead by police on Sunday night, a JAC against the brutal killing of Khundrakpam Athouba was formed on Monday and various resolutions adopted, including the termination of service of accused security officer.

Addressing the media on Monday, JAC convenor Mutum Shyamkumar identified the accused as Special Commando Senior SP Sanjenbam Nectar.

He said resolutions adopted included demand for immediate arrest, punishment and termination of services of Nectar, government machineries and central security forces immediately stop oppressing the Meetei community of Jiribam in the name of curbing the violence, and for all CSOs, mothers and students in Jiribam to launch intense protests if the oppression is not halted.

Shyamkumar also questioned the government's intention in deploying an individual mentioned in the list of accused of fake encounter cases in the judicial enquiry conducted by the Supreme Court.

He then declared that until the government declares a firm decision with regard to the above demands, the JAC and the people will not claim the body.

Meanwhile, SSP Sanjenbam Nectar retreated to his resting place in PWD Guest House shortly after shooting the student, Kh Athouba on Sunday.

The gate of the Guest House was locked from the inside and barricaded by a Casspir used by him.

Enraged Meira Paibi members along with the people surrounded the Guest House from Sunday night till Monday night and shouted slogans like "Punish the killer", "Don't hide the killer", and "Hand over killer Nectar to the people".

Jiribam district police assured the people that the accused, SSP Nectar would be punished according to the law and brought him out of the Guest House, amid slogans calling him (Nectar) a killer and demanding strict punishment befitting a killer.

Under the strict presence of security forces, Nectar folded his hands and apologised to the people present in the area.

The police then whisked him off via a bulletproof Scorpio from the location.

On the other hand, Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) has strongly condemned the killing of Jiri College student and KSA executive member Khundrakpam Athouba by SP (Combat) Nectar Sanjembam and seriously injuring another student, Keisam Bison, while they were participating in a public protest against the re-imposition of AFPSA in six police stations and brutal abduction and killing of six civilians in Jiribam.

In a press release, KSA demanded immediate dismissal/termination of Nectar Sanjenbam from service.

It then cautioned that if the government attempts to save Nectar, who is now working against the society, or fails to take up the necessary legal action, the state government would be solely responsible for any resulting consequences.

KSA Jiribam District Council also issued a press release, condemning SSP Nectar Sanjenbam for killing student Khundrakpam Athouba and seriously injuring Keisam Bison.

Meanwhile, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) District Committee Jiribam extended deepest condolences to the families of Khundrakpam Athouba, who was shot dead, and Keisam Bison Singh, who was left injured by SSP Nectar Sanjenbam, while participating in a people's protest on Sunday night.

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