Shameful, say CSOs; vow solidarity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 24 2021: Condemning the barbaric murder of former Zeliangrong Baudi president Athuan Abonmai, several civil society organisations have pledged unstinted support to any course of action that may be launched against the murder and bring justice.

A joint press meet of AMKIL, UPF, NIPCO, UPACCO, MAPI Council, CADA, EECHAL, THANIL, UMO, Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, NIMPAL, ANUL, Nupi Samaj, Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and Thoubal Ima was held at the DM College campus office of AMSU today.

Speaking on behalf of the civil society organisations, AMKIL president in-charge Lourembam Nganbi said that the ruthless killing of Abonmai is a matter of utter shame and timidity.

In the valley, any one who dares to critique the Government as a citizen of the country is thrashed and thrown into police custody.

However, it is rather astonishing that an innocent citizen was abducted by a group of gunmen from near a public function attended by the Chief Minister and many of his Cabinet Ministers where hundreds of security personnel were deployed.

It is highly questionable as to why the political leaders and the security forces remained mute spectators to the daring abduction, Nganbi said.

Shameful, say CSOs; vow solidarity

If the State Government is not competent enough to protect the lives of citizens, their promises to bring development are meaningless, she asserted.

Athuan Abonmai was a key public leader who never differentiated between the hills and the valley but always worked for unity among all the people, she said.

His killing is a big loss for the all the communities of the State, Nganbi said.

The CSOs gathered today would extend full support to any course of action taken up by the JAC constituted against the barbaric murder of Abonmai and would fight together till justice is done, she added.

NIPCO president Th Manihar said that the barbaric killing of Athuan Abonmai by suspected NSCN (IM) militants at Pallong village, just 6 Kms away from where he was abducted shocked all the people of the State.

The State Government must take the matter with utmost seriousness, act in line with the people's sentiment and ensure that all the murderers are awarded exemplary punishment.

Police commandos were deployed two days before the 'Outreach Programme' as Chief Minister N Biren and many of his Cabinet Ministers were attending the programme.

But it came as an utter shock that suspected NSCN (IM) militants managed to abduct Athuan Abonmai from the very venue of the particular function, Manihar said.

He went on to ask where were the security forces when Abonmai was abducted by a handful of militants.

Asking if the Tamenglong SP and the Tamenglong DC did anything soon after learning about the abduction of Abonmai, Manihar said that the Government's inaction as well as the daring abduction and barbaric murder deserve outright condemnation by all the CSOs.

Making a Sub-Inspector and some Constables/Riflemen scapegoats of the ignominious security failure by suspending them is simply unacceptable.

A thorough enquiry should be done into the incident against responsible high ranking officials including the SP and the DC.

The case should be handed over to the NIA.

If the Zeliangrong community and other communities should still tolerate such atrocities, the whole society would descend into complete lawlessness and many more public leaders and innocent citizens would fall prey to the barbaric murderers, he said.

He then appealed to all the communities to stand united against the brutal murder of former Zeliangrong Baudi president Athuan Abonmai and fight for justice till the end.

If NSCN (IM) was involved in the murder, it is very clear that the ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) is de facto in force within the State of Manipur too.

If this is the case, the authorities concerned must come out with unambiguous clarifications at the earliest, he demanded.