Uproar raised against Kwakeithel killing
Bazar bandh called today, JAC formed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 23: With the establishment of the identity of the man shot dead by Imphal West commandos at a spot between Heinoubok and Moirang Hanuba under Lamphel police station last night as the general secretary of the All Manipur Shops and Establishments Employees' Association, a bazar bandh has been called tomorrow.

Moreover, a Joint Action Committee Against the Killing has also been constituted.

The deceased has been confirmed as Laishram Ibobi of Wangjing Sorokhaibam Leikai but staying at Khumbong Bazar.

He was running a jewellery shop at Khumbong Bazar.

Speaking to reporters today near Irabot Bhavan, Imphal, president of the All Manipur Shops and Establishments Employees' Association S Chandramani maintained that Ibobi was an innocent civilian.

He was also a member of the Sagolband CPI Local Council.

Police blocks agitating women folks at the gate of the Chief Minister's gate

While strongly condemning the alleged arbitrary killing, the association's executive members has also resolved to call a Khwairamband Bazar bandh tomorrow.

Chandramani also appealed to all the shopkeepers and proprietors to keep their shops and establishments shut tomorrow.

Late Ibobi was working as a salesman in Deepak Store, Nagamapal since 1995 .

Chandramani further conveyed that the association will submit a memorandum to the Government urging for befitting actions against the guilty commando personnel.

Taking part in the press meet, Ibobi's widow Chaoba said that her husband went out on a Honda Activa (black colour) last afternoon to buy gold and gem stones from Wahengbam Leikai for their jewellery shop with more than Rs 50,000 .

He also wore a gold chain of six san and two rings.

He also had two mobile phone handsets with him, Chaoba said.

Asserting that her husband was not related with any banned organisation, Chaoba said that Ibobi was always busy in his work.

She also dismissed the police claim of recovering a hand grenade from her husband's possession.

Meanwhile, in connection with the killing, a public meeting was held at Wangjing Sorokhaibam Leikai during which a JAC was constituted.

Subsequently the JAC has resolved not to claim the corpse of Ibobi until and unless the guilty commando personnel are awarded exemplary punishment.

Stating that Ibobi was a laborious man looking after the needs of his family, JAC president Hanjabam Radhe Devi has demanded Rs 5 lakhs in ex-gratia before the shrada ceremony of the deceased and also a commensurate job to his widow.

Failure to come up with a positive response on its demands by 11 am tomorrow would compelled the JAC to take recourse to various modes of intense agitation, cautioned Radhe.

In connection with the killing of Ibobi, another public meeting has also been convened at Wangjing Bazar tomorrow.

On the other hand, it is reported that a large number of JAC members marched to the Chief Minister's official residence this evening.

But they were blocked and repelled by police.

Later some representatives of the JAC were allowed to meet with the Chief Minister in-charge Th Debendra.