Killing of Ronaldo : CM assures departmental probe
Accused IRB man denies charge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 05 2023: The JAC formed in connection with the killing of Abujam Ronaldo has submitted a seven point memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh this evening and the Chief Minister is reported to have assured a departmental probe.

Notably, Ronaldo (25), s/o A Ibungo Singh of Heirok Part III Kabo Leikai was gunned down by the security force while controlling a mob which stormed the post of 3rd IRB at Khangabok yesterday.

Meanwhile, Irengbam Rupachandra, the IRB personnel from Samaram Mayai Leikai who has been accused of killing Ronaldo has denied the charge levelled against him and appealed to the people of Heirok to not misconstrue him.

Rupachandra claimed that he was only armed with a multi shell launcher during the time of scuffle at Khangabok.

Saying that he will accept any action taken by the people if they can prove that it was him who gunned down Ronaldo, Rupachandra asked the section of people who claim that there is video footage of him armed with a gun and not shell launcher to verify the clip again.

He said that he will accept all the punishments given by the people if the video can prove him guilty.

Saying that the accusation against him has worried all his family members, Rupachandra appealed to the people of Heirok not to misjudge him as a killer.

He also condoled the demise of Ronaldo and shared the grief of the bereaved family.

Parents of the IRB personnel also expressed disappointment over the mob torching his house without any verification.

A sit-in protest was also staged at Samaram Mayai Leikai today.

The protesters claimed that Rupachandra is innocent and urged the Government to find out the security personnel who shot at Ronaldo.

On the other hand, JAC convenor Thounaojam Roshan said that the Chief Minister has agreed to launch a departmental inquiry pertaining to the 'killing' of A Ronaldo.

Roshan said that the Chief Minister sought 45 days' time to reveal the truth of the incident.

He said that a mob stormed the post of IRB seeking protection as there is no respite from Kuki militants' attack on Meitei villages.

Saying that JAC condemns the 'killing' of Ronaldo in the strongest terms, Roshan said that the IRB personnel who intentionally shot at the deceased should be terminated from service within 24 hours.

According to him, the JAC, in its memorandum, urged the Chief Minister to control the Kuki militant groups under SoO pact within three days and book all the militants who violate the ground rules of the agreement.

The JAC also demanded immediate abrogation of SoO pact with Kuki militant groups and to provide adequate compensation including a Government job to the family of A Ronaldo, he added.

Saying that they will discuss all the assurances given by the Chief Minister with the people of Heirok by convening a public meeting, Roshan said that the JAC will act in accordance with the decision taken during the meeting.

The meeting will also decide whether to claim the body of Ronaldo or not.

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