Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17 2009:
A number of organisations including the All Manipur MCS Officers' Association the president of the MPCC (I) Gaikhangam, NSCN (IM) PRO, Wung Region of the NSCN (IM) as well as the Executive Officer of the Maram Thangal CAA, Home Affairs of the same outfit have condemned the killing of the SDO and his two staff.
In a statement, the MCS Association said that an emergency meeting was convened following the report of the dastardly killing.
Apart from condemning the brutal murder, the Association observed a two minute silence to pay respect to the departed souls as well as prayed for the bereaved family members.
Strongly condemning the killing of SDO of Khasom Khullen Dr Thinam Kishan and two others, the NSCN-IM has said tonight that the outfit has ordered an investigation to book the culprits at the earliest possible time.
The NSCN-IM's Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) informed Newmai News Network tonight that it has nothing to do with the incident and said that such heinous crime should be condemned by all sections of the society.
Pledging to book and award befitting punishment to the culprits involved in the killing of the SDO and two others, the NSCN-IM has said that killing of the officials was carried out by vested interest elements to create unnecessary unrest in the society.
The NSCN-IM has also appealed to the general public not to spread rumours but to remain calm saying that the outfit would put its best effort to book the culprits at the earliest, it said.
Condemning the murder, MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam on behalf of the Congress party condoled the deaths.
In a statement, the MPCC president expressed optimism that the State Government will take up necessary measures to book the culprits under the law of the land.
Gaikhangam also appealed to the people not to give a communal hue to the killings and urged the people not to get swayed by emotions and sentiments.
A number of outstation organisations have also condemned and condoled the killing of the SDO.
In a message Malem Ningthouja on behalf of the Revolutionary Democratic Front, Progressive Students Union, IndoNepal Peoples Solidarity Forum, Majdoor Kishan Party, Majdoor Shakti, CPIM (New Proletarian), CPIM (New Proletarian), Campaign for Peace and Democracy in Manipur
Strongly condemning the killing of Subdivisional Officer (SDO) of Khasom Khullen Dr Thinam Kishan and two others, the NSCN-IM has said tonight that the outfit has ordered to investigate and book the culprits at the earliest possible time.
In a statement issued to the press, the PRO of the Wung Tangkhul region of the NSCN (IM) said that the CAO and his Council of Leacy strongly condemn the abduction of the Kasom Khullen SDO and his colleagues on February 14 and later killing them on February 17 .
"Such inhuman act has no place in the civilised society," said the statement and added that the NSCN is committed to peaceful coexistence of all race and color and therefore view the incident as a threat to the harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
The NSCN will leave no stone unturned to trace the culprits, it added.
Condemning the killing, the Executive Officer of the Maram Thangal CAA Home Affairs of the NSCN (IM) said that the cold blooded murder was an act of cowardice and termed it as most inhuman.
It also asked the killers to identify themselves and given the reasons for the killing.
The editorial members of Alternative Perspectives, a quarterly monthly journal have also expressed deep shock and condoled the death of Th Kishan, who was the former Editor of the said journal and his two staff.
In a statement, the editorial team of Alternative Perspectives said that the untimely demise of Kishan is a big loss and hailed him as a prolific writer, an academician and an astute visionary.
The Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development Association has also strongly condemned the killing of the officer and his two staff.
In a statement, the Association on behalf of the region extended their condolence to the bereaved family members.
It also urged the authority concerned to book the culprits and punish accordingly.
Stating that three more staff of the SDO are still missing, the Association demanded their safe release.
The Phungyar Block Congress Committee has also condemned the killing of the SDO and his two staff.
In a statement, the Committee said it extends its grief and condolences to the bereaved family members.
The Committee also urged the people to remain calm so that peace is not disturbed.
The Tangkhul Naga Long, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Mayar Ngala Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long in an emergency consultation meeting have termed the killing as barbaric.
In a joint statement the bodies said that those responsible for the killing should spell out the reasons and added that before taking up such extreme measures it should have publicly come out and stated their point.
The organisations also demand speedy intervention of the authority concerned to book the culprits at the earliest and extended their condolences to the bereaved family members.
A 24 hour Ukhrul bandh has also been imposed from 6 pm today (Feb 17) to condemn the killing, added the statement.
The Tangkhul People's Organisation, Imphal has also strongly condemned the dastardly killing and appealed to all maintain calm and restrain from creating any communal upheavals.
The Naga Peoples' Organisation, the Senapati District Women's Association and the Senapati District Students' Association have also strongly condemned the killing of the SDO and his two subordinates.
In a joint statement issued to the press, the organisations said that an investigation should be started immediately and the culprits booked.
Quoting sources, the joint statement said that three were abducted along with their Gypsy (MNG 04/5799) from Ukhrul on February 13 and their bodies were recovered near Kuki Taphou on February 17 .
The said vehicle is still missing, said the three organisations.
The three organisations, besides condemning the barbaric killing, questioned why the three persons who were abducted from Ukhrul were brought to Senapati district to commit the gruesome act.
The statement also demanded necessary action to book the culprits.
The statement added that the three apex organisations of Senapati district share the grief and pain of the bereaved families.
The UPF, NIPCO, TIPS, HERICOUN, Mapi Council and DESAM also held an emergency meeting today and strongly condemned the killing.
Taking the matter seriously, the organisations in a joint statement said that the DC of Ukhrul, the State Government and the Government of India should be held solely responsible for the barbaric killing.
The organisations alleged that there could be a bigger conspiracy behind the killing.
They also appealed for the safe release of the other three abducted persons.
Strongly condemning the incident, AMUCO in a statement said that it has reasons to believe that the killing of the SDO and his two staff while the whereabouts of the three Tangkhul employees are still not known, is a game to incite communal tension.
Going on the offensive against the Govt for its pathetic failure to save its employees, AMUCO said that the very statement of the Government that a high level inquiry has been instituted is something like stating that a high level hand of the Government was involved in the killing.
Dr Kishan was not only an able and honest officer but was also an activist who worked with a vision for Manipur.
The officer was eliminated as his existence could prove to be a hurdle to all those who are intent on breaking up Manipur, claimed AMUCO.
Though the SDO and his staff were abducted by heavily armed persons, the fact that they were not shot dead but bludgeoned to death is proof that the killing was racial.
AMUCO added that it shares the pain and sorrow of the bereaved
family members.