Thursday, March 28, 2024

Manipur Naga leader’s killing: CM Biren Singh apologises, 16 cops suspended

Must Read

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday tendered an apology to the family of Athuan Abonmai following public outrage over the killing of the prominent Naga leader.

Abonmai was abducted by a group of alleged rebels of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) from Tamenglong on Wednesday and hours later, his bludgeoned body was retrieved 7 km away.

The victim can be seen in a viral video being bundled into a jeep under the nose of some policemen. He had come out of his home to attend a government programme.

Singh, also the state’s Home Minister, is livid with the police inaction. He wondered if the morale of the police lowered to such a level.

“It was the duty of the policemen to intervene and save his life,” Singh told journalists at a press conference.

ALSO READ | Militants gun down Manipur Naga leader after abduction

So far, 16 policemen, including officers, have been suspended. The government has already ordered a probe which is headed by an Inspector General of Police.

Singh said the government would hand the case over to the National Investigation Agency if a nexus between the militants and the police was established.

In a complaint lodged with the police following the abduction, the victim’s son Arai Abonmai, had written: “…I have come to know from relatives that my father has been kidnapped at about 11:30 am by NSCN-IM cadres from Tamenglong headquarters, Pologround. As there is apprehension that my father may be harmed, I pray that immediate measures are taken to rescue him.”

For some reasons not known, Abonmai’s differences with the NSCN-IM grew in recent times. As he was facing a threat to his life, he had curtailed his movement.

He was the former president of Zeliangrong Baudi, which is a conglomerate of tribal organisations representing Inpui, Liangmei, Rongmei, and Zeme tribes from Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland.

Various organisations have demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of the crime.

Latest News

Mithila Palkar Is The Quintessential Girl Next Door Capturing Hearts With Every Role

From her early days as a digital sensation to becoming a household name, Mithila's journey in showbiz is a...