Imphal, February 28 2009: Large numbers of people across the State join Saturday the Asthi ceremony of (L) Dr Thingnam Kishan, Aribam Rajen and Yumnam Token at Gandhi Ghat, where the three mortals were cremated.

Defying the restrictions imposed by the government, the crowds, who congregated to pay floral tributes, took out a procession in their resolve to protest the killing of the three and the callousness of the Government in bringing justice, according to a statement issued by the JAC convenor, Y Khemchand.

The people also, under the aegis of the JAC, submitted a representation to the Governor of Manipur and the Chief Minister.

The memorandum incorporates demands of immediate initiation of criminal proceedings against the then DC of Ukhrul by registering an FIR for his criminal connivance in the murder of 'his own subordinate staff.' It also demanded the immediate punishment of the murderers and to produce the other three officials who had accompanied the deceased officials to the public within forty-eight hours, the JAC statement said.

It said that in pursuance of one of the resolutions taken during the joint public meeting on February 27, the JAC also calls upon the people of Manipur to organize protest dharnas in and around the residences of each MLA from March 1.The JAC statement said that this is to widen the mass outreach in fighting for justice.

"The manner in which the trio have been murdered manifests a deep-rooted conspiracy by certain elements having well-organised network at various levels," the JAC statement said while adding that the JAC cannot resist the 'organised' crime but to conclude that the perpetrators have an intention to spark-off communal flare-up that could lead to loss of thousands of innocent lives.

However, it said that, for the political maturity the meticulous calculation of the evil designs have failed.

The JAC believes that the mass resistance is unique and historic in the sense that condemnation of the killing and collective voice for rendering punishment to the culprits come from across the length and breadth of Manipur, it said.

The JAC also acknowledges the invaluable contributions to the movement against the brutal killing and solidarity expressed from diverse communities and civil organisations of the State.

It appeals to all to join and strengthen the movement in order to lead the movement to a logical conclusion.

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