Killing of Thongju youth: Bandh affects life, CM gives sanity call
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 20 2013: In the backdrop of a youth hailing from Thongju Part-I Koirou Mamang Leikai found killed at Phoubakchao Konuma, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and All Manipur Muslims (meitei Pangal) Welfare Association (AMPWA) have fervently appealed to the people to exercise maximum restraint and work for sustaining peaceful coexistence.

Consequent to a late night decision to impose indefinite State-wide general strike against the killing of the youth, normal activities were affected as suspected bandh supporters tagetted motor vehicles and enforced shut-down of commercial establishments at some areas.

Asserting that all those involved in the killing of the Thongju youth, Thokchom Kiran would be dealt according to the law of the land, Chief Minister Ibobi conveyed that two persons, including a 7 Bn Manipur Rifles personnel, have been detained in connection with the case while a third is evading arrest.

Conceding that the third suspect managed to escape, the CM maintained that pressure is being exerted on the accused person's family to produce the absconding person to the authorities.

Cops trying to stop bandh enforcers

Further informing that the arrested duo are being subjected to intense police interrogation and that chargesheet against them would be prepared at the earliest, he clarified that severity or quantum of punishment is not the prerogative of the Government as the Court of law would ultimately deliver the final verdict.

Pointing out that for mistakes committed by some rogue elements the entire Muslim community cannot be held responsible, Ibobi also appealed for the people's cooperation in ensuring the guilty persons get befitting punishment.

Meanwhile, an AMPWA statement issued by its general secretary Md Akhtar Hussain said that a hurriedly convened meeting of the Association at its Babupara office this morning condemned the killing of Kiran and expressed condolence to the bereaved family.

strongly condemning the killing of the youth, AMPWA also humbly sought cooperation of every section of the society in the Association's further action, including demand for befitting action against the guilty persons.

Urging people of all communities to join hands in the Association's initiative to punish all those involved in the murder of the Thongju Part-I native, AMPWA called upon its fellow organisations in Manipur to refrain from all activities that could aggravate the situation.

Utmost care needs to be taken while issuing statements to the media as the slightest error might lead to misconception amongst various communities, Akhtar cautioned.

Expressing that the Phoubakchao incident is not strongly condemnable but is also tragic and shocking to all the communities settled peacefully in Manipur since time immemorial, AMPWA demanded that the guilty persons should be subjected to the most stringent form of punishment for their unpardonable act.

With the indefinite general strike called by a JAC formed in connection with the incident, coming into effect since midnight (Mar 19), most passenger carriers suspended service with the impact also falling upon educational institutions and commercial areas, particularly in and around the twin capital cities.

Along National Highway-2 near Manipur University main gate suspected strike supporters damage a number of vehicles, who were reportedly unaware that the strike has been called.

While strike supporters forced shop-owners in Kakwa and Singjamei areas to down shutters this evening, womenfolk enforced the strike call at Khurai Lamlong area since early morning.

As preemptive measures, security personnel have been deployed at Bashikhong areas since late evening yesterday.

A meeting convened by the JAC also asked police authorities for arrest all those involved in the murder of Th Kiran besides urging locals of the murderers to socially boycott the accused persons' families.

On the otherhand, United Committee Manipur asking the Government to ensure befitting punishment against the guilty persons urged every section of the society to act responsibly so that cordial relationships between different communities could be maintained.

Asserting that UCM would tirelessly pursue the case till justice is done to the victim and his bereaved family members, UCM cautioned that in case of delay in taking up suitable action the Government would be held responsible for any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, Manipur Muslim Welfare Association (Mayang Imphal), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (Khoyathong), Rising Knowledge Club (Khoyathong), Wakha Nupi Samaj (Wakha Baruni Chingkhong) and Imphal East united Clubs' Organisation also vehemently condemned the killing of Th Kiran.

Along with demanding befitting punishment of the guilty persons, these organisations also opined that sensible approach and acting with maturity would be able to defeat all sinister designs to create divisions in the society.

It may be mentioned that Th Kiran was found dead in a pond at Phoubakchao Konuma on March 19 afternoon after he was called out from home on March 14 evening by two individuals hailing from a Kyamgei village.

The two namely Md Salim and Md Sabir, currently in police custody, approached Kiran for transporting a sick person to the hospital.