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Athuan Abonmai killing: Manipur government moves MHA for NIA probe, JAC sticks to protest plan

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The Joint Action Committee Against the Brutal Killing of Shri Athuan Abonmai on Sunday announced that the proposed agitations, including blockade of national highways for 48 hours starting September 27 midnight, will continue. The decision was taken after members of the JAC met chief minister N Biren Singh for around one hour.

TFM Report

The Joint Action Committee Against the Brutal Killing of Shri Athuan Abonmai on Sunday announced that the proposed agitations, including blockade of national highways for 48 hours starting September 27 midnight, will continue. The decision was taken after members of the JAC met with chief minister N Biren Singh on Sunday for around one hour.

Speaking to media persons at the residence of late Athuan Abonmai at Tarung, Imphal, JAC convenor Majabung Gangmei said that the state government failed to translate into action regarding the charter of demands mentioned in the memorandum which was submitted on September 23, 2021.

But in order expedite the process of handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the postmortem of Athuan’s body will be contacted on Monday in the presence of representatives of the JAC, he informed.

He also added that the body will not be taken even after the postmortem until the culprits involved are not nabbed. The body will remain in RIMS morgue, he added.

In the memorandum submitted to the chief minister on September 23, the JAC had demanded to order for a high-level National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry on the conspiracy of abduction, torture and subsequent murdered of Athuan Abonmai under IPC 302, 364.

It also demanded immediate suspension of the DC and SP of Tamenglong District because the abduction happened in broad daylight in front of the security personnels deployed at the government function.

The JAC had also maintained that they will withhold the funeral of Athuan Abonmai until the culprits are arrested and justice provided to the victim and his family and the values he stood for. Appropriate compensation to the next kin of Athuan Abonmai was also demanded.

The JAC had set an ultimatum till September 24, midnight, failing which the JAC in collaboration with like-minded civil society organisations will demonstrate different forms of protest until justice is delivered. During this democratic process initiated by the JAC, the government of India and Manipur will be held accountable for any untoward incident that may arise against the JAC and the public, it had added.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, dated September 25, special secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, H Gyan Prakash requested the NIA to take over the investigation.

“As the act is suspected to be carried out by the NSCN (IM) cadres and in view of the sensitive nature of the case and possible inter-state ramification, it is felt that the case is fit for investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA),” the letter said.

On the other hand, the state government transferred the DC of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame and SP of the district, Mohurle Sandip Gopaldas. Hungyo Worshang and Anupam have been appointed as the new DC and SP of the district respectively.

Protest and condemnation continue

The JAC organised a sit-in at Tarung, Imphal on Sunday. The protestors held placards that read — “Humans should never be treated as animals”, “We want justice for Athuan”, “Arrest and punish the culprits”, amongst others.

Manipur Muslim Welfare Association (MMWO) took out a candle vigil on Sunday evening at Palace Gate, Imphal. MMWO president SK Wajid Shah strongly condemned the incident and pledged that the association will support any form of agitations by the JAC in pursuit for the justice of Athuan Abonmai.

Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak, Manipur (IPAK) also strongly condemned the incident and lauded Athuan Abonmai as a fierce voice for the peaceful coexistence of different communities in the state. While underscoring that it was a well-planned crime, it asserted that the incident should be investigated thoroughly. It also extended support to any agitations.

The United All Communities’ Social Up-lifters, Kangleipak (UNACSU), while strongly condemning the incident, asserted that the only way to clear the “doubts” of the people about the circumstances in which Athuan Abonmai was abducted and killed is to arrest the culprits involved at the earliest. Athuan Abonmai was a precious son of the land who worked tirelessly for peaceful coexistence and united Manipur, it added.

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