Abducted TNL Presidential candidate found dead
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, September 18 2013: Tension gripped Ukhrul following the news about the killing of a Presidential candidate of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and a former Vice-President of the All Naga Students' Association, K Jonathan, by unidentified persons in Ukhrul and whose mortal remain was found yesterday.

K Jonathan was abducted on September 13 .

TNL presidential candidates Jonathan Kashung was found dead at Kasa Kazeng, Ukhrul, 6 kilometres away from Ukhrul headquarters.

He was abducted on Sept 13 at around 9.30am from Viewland, Ukhrul.

According to family source, Jonathan received threat from some quarters urging him to withdraw his candidature in the TNL election which was earlier slated to be held today (Wednesday) .

Police at the site where the body was found

Succumbing to immense pressure following physical abduction on Sept 13, Jonathan had reportedly withdrawn his candidature and was reportedly freed from the clutches of the abductors.

Later, his lifeless body was found at Kasa Kazeng.

The body had started decomposing when it was discovered.

Strongly suspecting the hands of the NSCN-IM in the killing, the wife of Jonathan, Philawon Kashung submitted a memorandum to the Central Administrative Officer (CAO), NSCN-IM, Wung Tangkhul Region demanding immediate clarification.

When contacted, the family said that they could locate the death body after receiving an SMS from an unknown number informing that his body was at Kasa Kazeng.

A bullet pierced through the temple and at the chest.

As tension simmered following the news, the TNL election Commissioners after considering the situation, postponed the TNL election indefinitely.

According to the Tangkhul tradition, six days are observed as mourning for the death of male member.

Given this, the election is most likely to be postponed for at least six days.

Meanwhile, a condolence programme was held at TNL hall.

The program was attended by MLA Samuel Risom, Headmen, frontal organizations, the presidential candidates and thousand of public to share the grief and sorrow to the bereaved family.

Yarthothing Kashung Care Taker President of TNL on behalf of the frontal organization condemned the brutal act.

The family has set an ultimatum to the concerned organisation to clarify within 15 days.

His death body will be taken to Singkap village tomorrow.

Newmai News Network adds: A low intensity bomb exploded near Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) office in Ukhrul midnight of Sept 16.No one was hurt in the blast.

It is not clear who might have carried out the blast and for what reason.

Sources said the blast occurred at around 12:10 am but the impact of the blast failed to damage any property.

So far, the police are clueless.