CSOs hint at conspiracy over Abonmai's murder
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 24 2021: Various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of the state have raised suspicion of a big conspiracy over the brazen daylight abduction of Athuan Abonmai, a fierce spokesperson of a united Manipur from the Zeliangrong community, in front of security forces present in the area in connection with a Go to Hills programme attended by the Chief Minister.

Addressing a press meet held at the multipurpose hall of AMSU head office here on Friday in connection with the killing of Athaun, AMKIL president in-charge Lourembam Nganbi said that despite being part of the Zeliangrong community, he stood firm for a united Manipur.

He never differentiated the natives into hill and valley, while always strongly voicing his opinions that all are citizens of Manipur and must stay united.

"As such, it is difficult to comprehend that such a person was easily abducted in broad daylight and in front of security forces present in the area as part of the security arrangements for a Go to Hill programme attended by the CM.

It is embarrassing and equally a show of incompetency on the part of the government that such an incident had even occurred in the first place ", she said, while raising suspicion that the occurrence of the incident was premeditated, considering Abonmai's potential as a future leader of the state.

"It is also questionable how Abonmai could be abducted easily from a programme venue attended by the CM, especially considering the swiftness of the government in arresting dissenters," she remarked.

Further questioning the purpose of development if the government cannot even protect and save the life of a patriot, Nganbi said that development would be possible only when the state is united.

"The brutal killing of such a true patriot is a loss to all of us," she opined, while urging the government to stop trying to pull wool over the eyes of public by suspending, some police personnel.

Instead, it should apprehended the person(s) involved in the incident and award befitting punishments, and help save the state," she said, while extending full support to all activities taken up by the JAC formed in connection with the killing.

Meanwhile, NIPCO president Thongam Manihar said that Athuan Abonmai was not a simple but a great man who loved and wanted a united Manipur.

It is unacceptable that he could be easily abducted in front of security forces already present in the area 2-3 days ahead of the CM's visit.

Thus, the matter cannot be silenced with mere termination and suspension of some VDF and police personnel respectively, he remarked.

"If the incident had occurred in the valley, the persons who abducted and killed Abonmai would have been apprehended immediately.

However, the incident has put a big question mark on the law and order situation in the valley versus the hill.

Only when the law and order situation is equalised, will there be development in the state," he said.

Manihar continued: "The incident is clearly premeditated and should be investigated by the NIA instead of the state police.

If NSCN-IM is truly behind the killing, how can one say the cease fire is not applicable to the state?" .

The press meet was also attended by representatives of UPF, UPACCO, MAPI Council, CADA, Nongpok Leingak, NIMPAL, ANUL, Thoubal IMA, Nupi Samaj, Tammi Chingmi, EECHAL, THANIL and UMO.

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