Imphal, Aug 21: Unanimously terming it as an act of terrorism, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) GHQs and Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) have come out strongly against yesterday's firing by the security forces at a Church in Churachandpur district in which one person was killed while five others sustained injuries.

Decrying yesterday's firing attack at a Church in Vungnoum, New Lamka in Churachandpur district by security forces leading to the death of S Thwangkhanlian Ngaihte (35) and injuries to five other persons, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has categorically stated that it is yet another manifestation of the brutality being committed on the the people of Manipur by security forces with immunity granted under AFSPA.

Describing the action of the security forces as part of a larger conspiracy to wipe out the people of Manipur, publicity secretary of AMUCO Tompok Likmabam, in a statement, said such State-sponsored terrorism could be defeated only when all the people rise up as one.

If the people do not stop the security forces, who do not even have any qualm in attacking at a sacred religious place like Church, from carrying on with their activities, the statement said, adding that people could not expect the State Government which is there in only name sake to protect their lives.

The firing attack at the Vungnoum church which comes even as the people of Manipur have not yet been able to overcome the fear of the bomb attack at ISKCON, has only convinced that the security forces have a hidden agency, AMUCO said while expressing its condolence to the bereaved family and solidarity with the injured persons.

Expressing its strong condemnation over the incident, spokesman of ATSUM Joseph R Hmar, in a statement said the student body is deeply concerned at continue indiscriminate firing of Assam Rifles and Indian armies in crowded civilian places and also lack of concern shown by armed groups both State and non-State armed groups.

Expressing sorrow over loss of precious lives and causing suffering in the firing by Assam Rifles personnel, the student body also shared the grief of the victim's family and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured persons.

In a joint statement, publicity and information secretary of KSO GHQs Paotinthang Lupheng and publicity secretary of MAFYF Yumnamcha Taibanganba said the attack on the Church was a direct affront on the spirit of secularism.

It was the not the first instances and similar attacks have been committed by the security personnel in different parts of Manipur, the joint statement said, citing the instance of killing Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and burying his body and ransacking of the church at Buongjang village in Sadar Hills.

The joint statement also condemned the recent grenade attack at ISKCON.

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