Imphal, November 04: Baby Lungnila Elizabeth who became a symbol for unity and integrity in Manipur, after her brutal murder by her kidnappers was remembered on her first death anniversary today.

A memorial service was held at Little Flower School, where Lungnila had studied, this morning with rendering of devotional songs.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who attended the function as chief guest unveiled a bronze statue of the girl child and gave a clarion call to drive out all anti-social elements from amongst our midst.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated a bus waiting shed dedicated to the students of the school in memory of Baby Lungnila Elizabeth at the occasion.

Daughter of Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa, 8-year old Baby Lungnila Elizabeth, then studying in class III was kidnapped for ransom on this day last year and her body was found tucked inside a sack eight days later from Tera Sadokpam.

Her death had brought the people of Manipur, cutting across caste, creed, religion and language together in condemnation against such the barbaric and inhuman act.

SPF Ministers, MLAs, students and a large number of well-wishers attended the anniversary function and offered floral tributes to the photograph of Baby Lungnila and her statue installed near the gate of the school.

The bronze statue is said to have been designed by Miss Sonal Deore, who is studying Masters in Fine Arts at New Delhi, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.90 lakhs.

On the base of the statue, the words �We met as strangers, departed as friends, we shall remain friends forever� were engraved.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh called upon the people to stand unitedly against the enemies.

He said what had happened to the little girl should not be allowed to happen to any other and we should not make any compromise on this point.

The incident has taught a lesson to all of us and we should stand unitedly and drive out the enemies from among our midst, he said, adding that Baby Lungnila had sown the seed of integrity and unity among the people of the State.

Towards the end of the function, bereaved father of Baby Lungnila Francis Ngajokpa gave his vote of thanks to the gathering and prayed for ushering in peace and harmony in the society.

Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Channithala, who is presently in the State on a visit was also present at the occasion.

Later talking to the media persons for the first time on the matter related to the death of her young innocent daughter, Ngajokpa said that he has no ill-feeling against anybody (for the death of her daughter).

Though the absence of Lungnila would be felt always, she would spread the message of unity and love among the people, a teary Ngajokpa said.

He said he has already forgiven all those who have committed the crime.

Replying to a question on the ongoing CBI enquiry into the case, Ngajokpa just said let the will of the god prevails.

Talking to The Sangai Express, some of the teachers who have taught Elizabeth remembered her fondly as a studious, disciplined and hard working student, who was full of life.

It may be noted here that blood sample from two accused persons, namely Nando and Rome have been taken for DNA test and applied for conducting narco-analysis on both of them who are in jail.

However, James Kuki, who is considered as the kingpin behind the kidnapping and subsequent brutal murder of the little girl had been released from the custody of NSCN (I-M) on �parole�.

Comment