19 CSOs pledge support to JAC bandh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2021: At least 19 Civil Service Organisations have endorsed the 24 hours bandh called by the JAC Against the Brutal Murder of Athuan Abonmai.

The proposed bandh was supposed to begin from the midnight of September 29, however, it was deferred due to the proposal from a certain organisation for the observance of Jana Neta Hijam Irabot birth anniversary.

The bandh will now come into effect from the midnight of October 3 .

The endorsement was declared during a press conference held today at AMSU office inside the campus of DM University.

The 19 CSOs are AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, Tammi Chingmi, Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, ANUL, NIMPAL, Thoubal Ima, UMO, THANIL, NIPCO, UPF, MAPI Council, CADA, UPACO, AMPFA, EECHAL, EEVFAM, Macha Leima and AMSU.

Representing the CSOs, AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi said that the people of Manipur are suspicious of NSCN-IM involvement in the killing of Athuan Abonmai.

19 CSOs pledge support to JAC bandh

Saying that the inability of the State Government to nab the killers of Abonmai who was abducted right in front of myriad of security personnel from a venue of high level outreach programme at Tamenglong on September 22 last only exposes its inadequacy, she added that the CSOs will support all initiatives of the JAC until the killers are penalised.

If the killers are not booked instances of such cruelty will increase manifold.

The State Government should hold accountable if such a scenario arises, she cautioned.

Asking if the Centre, State Government and the NSCN-IM are conspiring backstage to eliminate all who stand for a united Manipur, Nganbi asserted that the death of Abonmai is akin to the loss of life in Army custody.

What is the rationale for deploying Army and para military forces in Manipur if they can safeguard lives here, the AMKIL president questioned.

Further claimimg that she heard of the Indian Army safeguarding NSCN-IM camp at a place called Buning, which is not far from the place where Athuan was murdered, Ngangbi charged that both the Government and the people are aware of the NSCN-IM cadres collecting illegal taxes at National Highways and killing people unjustly.

If the NSCN-IM can establish a camp in Manipur, why can't the other outfits do the same, she asked and questioned why those who killed Abonmai are maintaining stoic silence till date.

It may be mentioned that the body of Athuan Abonmai was recovered from a place about 30 kms from the venue where a high level outreach programme was held in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his Cabinet Minister and other dignitaries.

NIPCO president Th Manihar also spoke at the event.

He said that the 19 CSOs resolved to support the 24 hours bandh of the JAC to deliver justice to the bereaved family members and to stop the terror activity of the NSCN-IM.

The Ministry of Home Affairs handing over the case of Athuan Abonmai to NIA is okay but it truly is smack on the face of the State Government, he said and added that the incident of Athuan Abonmai is a testimony that the State and its machinery has failed to perform its duty.

He also urged the people to support the proposed bandh by all the hills and valley people.