CM condemns Hengjang killings, ultimatum extended
Source: The Sangai Express (with DIPR)

Kangpokpi, July 11 2019: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has condoled the demise of chief of Hengjang Kuki Village, Thangneo Kipgen and his nephew Thangminlun Haokip in a gun attack carried out by some unknown miscreants at a secluded place located between Keihao and Hengjang village in Kangpokpi district yesterday.

He also strongly condemned such dastardly act of targeting innocent lives without any reason.

He said that there is no place for such heinous crimes in a civilized society and added that active investigation into the incident is in progress.

Maintaining that the perpetrators would be nabbed as soon as possible, he also urged the Hengjang villagers to maintain calm at this hour of sorrow.

Biren also shared the grief of the family members and Hengjang villagers, and prayed to the Almighty for the souls of deceased persons to rest in peace in their heavenly abode.

The Chief Minister also met Kuki civil society organizations at his chamber this afternoon at around 2 pm in the presence of DGP, LM Khaute, IGP (L&O) Clay Khongsai, DIG Themthing Ngasangva and SP concerned.

Kuki civil society organizations including Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi, Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai, Kuki Inpi Phailengmol, KSO-GHQs, KSO Imphal, KSO Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills and other CSOs were led by Khaimang Chongloi, president, Kuki Inpi Manipur along with KIM vice president and general secretary.

In an hour long meeting, the Kuki bodies urged the Chief Minister to book the culprits within the stipulated time frame and bring justice to the bereaved families while highlighting the insecurity of innocent civilians in the State and the decision of the Kuki bodies not to claim the dead bodies unless justice is done.

The decision to impose intense form of agitations if the Government fails to book the culprits within the stipulated time was also highlighted.

In response to the Kuki bodies demand, the Chief Minister gave a concrete assurance that the culprits will be booked definitely within a short period and instantly asked the DGP and other top brass police officials to arrange all possible measures to nab the culprits at the shortest time.

The Chief Minister also appealed the Kuki bodies to reconsider their decision of not claiming the dead bodies considering suffering of the bereaved families and keep full faith on his assurance as he would definitely bring justice for the people.

He also instructed the DGP to handover the ex-gratia immediately as per the norms and directed him to declare his assurance personally to the bereaved family members who were enduring a tough situation at JNIMS morgue along with the lifeless bodies of the duo killed yesterday.

A reliable source informed that Rs 5 lakh each has been arranged as ex-gratia while Rs 2 lakh each was hand over to the respective bereaved family members immediately in advance while the remaining Rs.3 lakh each will be handed over later after due process.

After serious deliberation, the Kuki bodies under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur decided to consider the Chief Minister's concrete assurance and extend its ultimatum to book the culprits to one week and also decided to claim the dead bodies after post mortem at JNIMS.

Kuki Inpi Manipur also handed over the responsibility in dealing the case to the Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District till justice prevails while all the Kuki bodies unanimously endorsed the decision of the Kuki Inpi to extend maximum cooperation and support to the Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district.

Lamminlun Singsit, general secretary, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district said that ultimatum to nab the culprits may be extended considering the concrete assurance of the Chief Minister but if the Government fails to book the culprits within week one from today, intense form of agitations will be launched under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district.

Haokip People's Council (General HQs) has also condemned the double killings.

A press release issued by Information Department HPC GHQ urged the authorities concerned to book the culprit(s) at the earliest.

It expressed sorrow and shared the pain of the bereaved families and further wished that the Almighty provide them patience and courage to bear the irreparable loss.

Haokip People's Council also assured to lend its helping hand to the grieving families and appealed to all to join in delivering justice to the helpless victims.

All Tribal Chiefs' Forum (ATCF) Manipur has also strongly condemned the killing and appealed the concerned party/organisation not to repeat such acts in future as any problem can be solved through negotiation.

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