Dastardly killing of Maring lady ; Condemnations pour in from all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 17 2023: Sit-in protest demonstrations across districts and messages of condemnation pouring in against the brutal killing of M Lucy Maring marked the day today.

Many organisations and bodies from the hills as well as the valley, in separate statements, vehemently condemned the brutal killing of Lucy and demanded stringent punishment of all culprits involved.

M Lucy Maring (57) was killed on July 15 at Keibi Heikakmapal.

Police have so far arrested nine persons in connection with the murder.

The All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) said it is utterly anguished to learn the cold-blooded murder of M Lucy Maring (57), d/o (L) M Thoukhal Maring of Narum village, on July 15 at Keibi Heikakmapal, Imphal East.

Dastardly killing of Maring lady ; Condemnations pour in from all over

Lucy was killed even after she identified herself as a Maring Naga tribe, said ANSAM condemning the incident in the strongest term.

It is an excruciating moment for the Nagas, as the silence and neutral stand in the unremitting conflict just to restore peace and normalcy in the State have been construed as being weak.

It is just not fair for the Nagas to be enduring the agony of series of attacks and gruesome killing in the current conflict between the two warring ethnic communities.

"Enough is enough", it said.

The Naga people will not remain as a mute observer but initiate its own course of action if the demands are not fulfilled, it said, appealing for immediate constitution of a judiciary inquiry committee, arrest of all perpetrators and exemplary punishment.

Intense agitation will be launched if the demands are not met, it added.

The cold blooded killing of M Lucy Maring must be brought in the limelight of justice befittingly as per the Naga customary law.

The Meitei civil society organization will be equally held responsible for this despicable act.

Their role and position must be made known to all concerned, it said.

The ANSAM extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and shared their grief and pain.

The Naga Women's Union too vehemently condemned the incident and demanded justice for Lucy.

Asha Wungnam, president, Naga Women's Union said Lucy Marem Maring of Narum (Beaulahram) village was an active member of Maring Napuiya Yinglam (Maring Women's Union), a constituent unit of Naga Women's Union.

She reminded that the Naga Women's Union (NWU) has been wholeheartedly advocating peace to be restored in the State since the start of the present clash.

The Union had repeatedly appealed to the two warring communities not to escalate the situation.

The Union will not tolerate nor forget such barbaric action committed upon the Nagas.

Adding fuel to the burning flame is never encouraged, she said, demanding justice for Lucy.

Meira Paibis in the valley and several organisations also condemned the killing of M Lucy Maring and demanded justice for the victim.

While sit-ins were held at places in Imphal and Thoubal district, Heirok Apunba Clubs observed a minute of silence at City Club Ground today and prayed for Lucy's soul to rest in peace.

Many organisations including Naga Peoples' Union Imphal, Naga Students' Federation Kohima, Kabui Union Manipur, Khundrakpam Kendra Youths Organisation (KHUKYO), Global Manipur Federation, Peace and Integrity Committee Kyamgei, Top Khongnangkhong Mamang Leikai Women Development Committee, Peace and Development Coordinating Committee Khundrakpam, Indigenous Development Mission, Haoreibi Apunba Lup and Salaai Kanba Lup Thoubal condemned the killing in the strongest terms.

The National People's Party (NPP) State unit vehemently condemned the incident.

At Imphal Naoremthong office, NPP National vice president Y Joykumar said the killing of M Lucy Maring was a cold-blooded murder and all the Meitei people should condemn such dastardly crimes.

Amid the present tension between the Kukis and the Meiteis, such an incident has the potential to damage the conditions for coexistence of all communities, he said, demanding swift and stringent punishment of all the persons involved.