Govt joins condemnation chorus, warns blockaders
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 18 2023: While taking serious note of the heinous killings of innocent individuals in recent times, the state government strongly condemned targeting of innocent civilians regardless of their religion, community and gender.

"Lucy killing case While informing about a meeting of legislators held under the chairmanship of chief minister N Biren, a DIPR release said: "It is crucial to take note that swift and efficient action taken up by the state security forces has resulted in rounding up the accused involved in these crimes, displaying a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families" .

The meeting reaffirmed government's unwavering stance against any form of violence and discrimination.

While expressing deep concern over the blocking of highways by certain groups of individuals, as such actions undermine public safety and hinder the smooth flow of essential services and goods, the release reiterated that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.

The state government is committed to take stern action against those involved in blocking highways which is choking the lifeline of the state.

All citizens are urged to respect the rule of law, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and work together to maintain peace, harmony, and the wellbeing of society, it added.

Meanwhile, Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA), comprising Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Zeliangrong Naga (Senapati Zone) women's organisations, strongly condemned the murder of Lucy Marem of Narum (Beau-lahram) village in Chandel on July 15 and urged the law enforcement agency to book those involved in the crime and award exemplary punishment to prevent such ghastly acts in the future.

It also conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved families Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) also denounced in the strongest term the cold blooded murder of Lucy and expressed that no decent society should tolerate such cruel and inhuman act committed on an innocent woman.

Stating that it has been advocating peace despite the gross violation of human rights and bearing in silence the brunt of the riot between Meetei and Kuki communities, it demanded that the perpetrators be punished accordingly as per rule of law at the earliest possible.

Lucy's murder has also been condemned by Maring Catholic Community Imphal (MCCI), Nongchup Imphal Palem Apun-ba/Lup, Film Forum Manipur, Pourabi Eaningthou Puthiba Thousil Kanglup cum Devel opment Committee, Coordinating Committee of Clubs & Organisations, Taretkhul Development Committee, Eastern Students' Club, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, Kangleipak Kanba Lup, All Thoubaf District United Clubs' Organizations (ATUCO) and Thoubal Keithel Phambi Apunba Mathak Makha.

They demanded to the government to punish all the culprits involved in the heinous crimes^o that such unfortunate does not recur.

While sharing pain of the bereaved families, they also observed two minutes' silence and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

On the other hand, Khwai Nagamapal Paonam Leikai Meira Paibi Lup, NYDO and Nagamapal Paonam.

Leikai Singlup staged sit in protest at Lai Isingchaiba community hall and Keibi Khullen Development Committee at Keibi Imoinu Keithel.

The protestors held placards inscribed with the words 'Stop killing innocent civilians , 'Punish the culprits' and 'We want justice' among others.

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