Abduction and murder case of Athuan Abonmai in 2021
8 declared as proclaimed offenders
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 22 2023:
The Special Court, NIA Manipur today announced eight individuals as proclaimed offenders in connection with the abduction and murder of Athuan Abonmai on September 22, 2021 .
The eight individuals who have been declared as proclaimed offenders are Khamkhuanang s/o Donji-yang of Khunjao village, Tamenglong; Athuana Pamei s/o Miuhemang Pamei of Gadailong Ward Number 3, Tamenglong; Withonbou s/o Nambibou of Kwalong village of Tamei sub-division Tamenglong; Chunkimlung Thaimei s/o Meiphunlung Thaimei of Ward Number 3, Tameng-long; Keiduampou Panmei s/o K Chundiyang of Bhalok II Duiga, Tamenglong; Pousabou alias Jackson s/o Namrengjonbou of Kadi village, Tamenglong; NK Widingambou s/o Ramninglungbou of Chaton village, Tamenglong (present address Khoupilong ward number 5 Tamenglong) and Achuna Panmei s/o Huthuiyang of Dailong village, Tamenglong.
During the hearing today, the Court heard the submission of the Special PP, NIA in connection with the issuance of non-bailable warrant of arrest against the accused persons who have been evading arrest.
Considering the nature of the case, the same Court had earlier issued a proclamation requiring the appearance of all the alleged accused persons before the Court on June 3, 2023 without fail.
The same proclamation was affixed in a conspicuous place at Tamenglong town and the same was also served to the relatives of accused persons.
The Court, after hearing the submission of the Special PP NIA, oral evidence given by Court witness and the exhibited documents, noted that all the accused persons have been evading arrest.
The Court then declared all the accused persons as proclaimed offenders under section 82 of the CrPC.
Notably, a few days after the abduction and killing of Athuan Abonmai, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India had instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate the abduction of Athuan Abonmai from Polo Ground, Tamenglong and subsequent killing by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres on September 22, 2021 .
In compliance with the Ministry of Home Affairs' instruction, NIA Imphal Branch re-registered an FIR from Lamphel police station and took up the investigation.
During the course of investigation, three persons including one alleged secret agent of NSCN (IM) were arrested but two of them are presently out on bail.
Athuan Abonmai, advisor and former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) left his residence located at Tarung village on September 22, 2021 morning to attend a community outreach programme of the State, attended by Chief Minister N Biren at Polo Ground, Tamenglong.
At around 11 am, Athaun Abonmai was abducted by around 20 unknown persons from the gate of the Polo Ground and later his bullet riddled body was found near a stone crusher site located at Pallong village, some 29 Kms from Tamenglong district headquarters in the evening of the same day.