State Cabinet, MPP, others condemn killing of Manisana
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2013: Taking serious note of its vice president (administration) Haobijam Manisana shot dead this morning by unidentified motor cycle-borne persons within the 'security high zone' area near Tulihal Airport along Tiddim Road, the Manipur People's Party (MPP) demanded clarification from all concerned why the party functionary has been slain.

To mourn his untimely death, MPP flag is being kept at half-mast.

The State Cabinet has also strongly condemned the killing of the MPP leader.

Chief Minister O Ibobi in a statement issued to the press late in the evening today said that the Government has viewed the killing very seriously and added that all those responsible for the murder will not be spared and taken to task as per the law of the land.

The Government of Manipur also shares the griefs and pain of the bereaved family members, added the Chief Minister.

According to MPP leaders and family members, Manisana was shot dead by two persons who reportedly overtook his Maruti Alto car and opened fire at him from close range.

Manisana died on the spot due to multiple injuries and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Apart from conveying about forming a JAC in connection with the killing, family members confided that it was normal for Manisana to tell his spouse or daughters where he would be going at the time of leaving home.

Members of the JAC met the Chief Minister later this evening.

During the meeting the Chief Minister appealed to the JAC members to take back the body.

Following assurances from the Chief Minister that no efforts would be spared to track down the killers, the JAC has agreed to take back the body tomorrow, but under the condition if the killers are not booked within 24 hours, they would resort to all sorts of agitations.

However, there was no such gesture today, said the family members recounting that before going out Manisana was seemingly disturbed as he was spotted walking to and fro at the court-yard in the morning.

A source in the MPP revealed that there had been an incident about a month back when activists of a particular armed group tried to abduct Manisana from the MPP office premises.

Consequent to the incident, security measures have been enhanced in and around the party office.

A hurriedly convened condolence meeting was also held at the MPP office today in which party's advisor and former Deputy CM Dr L Chandramani, vice president N Ojit and Shiv Sena State unit functionary Shamungou were also present.

MPP president N Sovakiran remembering the slain Manisana as an important figure in the party organisation said Manisana was a committed individual in the party's stand and principle on the ongoing border fencing project and issues related to emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur.

Expressing grave concern that many and not only Manisana but some other prominent MPP leaders have also been killed, Sovakiran recalled the cases of former MLA L Deben (Lamshang) and Binoy (Khundrakpam), and top party leaders like Yangmasho Shaiza and Maj Ak Nilakamol.

Urging clarification on why MPP leaders are being targeted/slain, the party chief also disclosed that Manisana was supposed to arrive at the MPP office today for preliminary discussion on the upcoming meeting on the border fencing issue slated for November 17.Expressing that MPP does not feel secure in the context of the present law and order situation, Sovakiran also observed that gunning down of Manisana in broad daylight close to a high security zone like the Tulihal Airport suggests that the State Government has failed to plug security loopholes.

Strongly den- ouncing the assassination of Haobijam Manisana Singh, former Adhyaksha of Bishnu-pur Zilla Parishad and vice-president of MPP by two unidentified motorcycle borne assailants today, the BJP Manipur Pradesh and Communist Party of India (Marxist) have deeply condoled the demise of the leader.

The BJP in a statement issued by its president, Th Chaoba shared the grief of the bereaved family while also praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.

The CPI (M) demanded immmediate arrest of the culprits and fitting punishment against them.

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