CM should resign: O Joy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 01 2021: Veteran politician and former MLA of Langthabal Assembly Constituency O Joy has demanded the State Government to conduct inquiry into the brutal killing of eminent tribal leader Athuan Abonmai and resignation of the Chief Minister during the inquiry period.

Addressing media persons at his residence at Kakwa Huidrom Leikai, the Congress leader categorically said that Athuan Abonmai was a notable leader who advocated for integrity and unity of all communities and as such an inquiry to probe the gruesome murder of the leader is very much needed.

He also expressed that it will be better for Chief Minister N Biren Singh who also holds Home portfolio to step down from his post during the conduct of the inquiry as he himself had also openly admitted that there were security lapses on the fateful day.

What is more shocking is that neither the party leaders including Union Ministers who have visited the State recently nor the Prime Minister or Home Minister, have mentioned a bit of the incident or about Athuan, he said.

Echoing the demand of the JAC formed against the killing of the late leader, O Joy also said that then DC and SP of Tamenglong should be suspended instead of transferring them.

Athuan Abonmai's killing is a "political conspiracy" and reflects application of "divide and rule" tactic, he charged and added that the matter is a very complex issue and needs careful handling.

Since "Peace Process" has been in place between NSCN (IM) and Government of India, the ground rule clearly mentioned where the cadres of the outfit are to be stationed and at the same time their activities are being monitored by the Indian Army.

Further, the ceasefire is limited within the State of Nagaland and not operational in Manipur, he said.

He also denounced the State Government for turning blind eye to the existence of NSCN (IM) camps within the territory of the State and demanded strong action to dismantle all the existing camps at the earliest.

Late Athuan Abonmai was a close friend of the Chief Minister who stood for unity and integrity of the State and although he had death threats, he went to Tamenglong to attend the CM's outreach programme escorted by a Major of Military Intelligence, he noted.

He also questioned why the CM, who is also the chairman or Unified Command Head of Army, Para Military and State Forces in the State, did not instruct security forces to initiate rescue operations as soon as a report of his abduction was sounded.

Athuan could have been saved had the CM served a strong direction or had used a helicopter to search his whereabouts.

The lapses and negligence on the part of security forces to act timely to prevent abduction in broad daylight amidst tight security measures only shows that there is no "Rule of Law", he said.

While saying he has evidence of a leader who has been working closely with NSCN-IM is also working with BJP, O Joy said that it will not be wrong for all to consider BJP and NSCN-IM are working hand in hand.

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