Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 30:
Sagang area organisations and the Kuki Students' organisation have strongly condemned the killing of Rekhupthang Kom chief of Samulamlan village by unidentified gunmen on December 14 night.
In a joint statement, Sagang Area United Club Association (Sauca) and Sagang Area Kom Cultural and Custom Organisation (SAKCCO) despite citing the assailants claiming to be activists of the Manipur Kom Revolutionary Front (MKRF) demanded that all those involved in the murder spell out reasons for their action within January 2, 2007 or face the wrath of the people.
Disagreeing with the comments of one K Leipakngam Karong, informed to be president of Kom Rem Union, in connection with the incident, SAUCA and SAKCCO ridiculed intention of Leipakngam even after the killers had left a note of the MKRF near the victim's body.
Describing Leipakngam as self-styled KRU president, the Sagang bodies while being inquisitive on the relationship between Leipakngam and MKRF, further doubted knowledge of the individual regarding relationship between the people of Sagang area and the demise village chief.
Reacting to his comments, the bodies clarified that Rekhupthang was, in fact, socially boycotted by the people of Sagang area for going/acting against the interest of the people.
�But the merciless killing of the Chief has nothing to do with the boycott,� affirmed the bodies and added that decision to boycott Rekhupthang not only concerns interest of the Koms but of people belonging to the Meiteis and Meitei Pangals of Wangoo, Naodakhong and Borayangbi areas.
Apart from demanding clarification from Leipakngam karong failing which SAUCA and SAKCCO would not be responsible for any untoward consequences, the joint statement also demanded that State Government do the needful to book the culprits at the earliest.
The bodies would also organise rally and sit-in-protest on january 3 at Sagang Bazar, it informed.
on the otherhand, family members of the slain Rekhupthang reacting sharply against the reported comments of Leipakngam conveyed that there is neither land dispute of with any village or individual nor was there any misunderstanding.
He is a social worker devoted towards development in the village, said the statement that also asserted that Rekhupthang had not interfered in the programme concerning MC Mary Kom.
The family members also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported the bereaved family during the hour of crisis.
Meanwhile, the KSO (Gen Hqs) vehemently condemned the killing of Pu Rekhupthang kom and termed the murder as disturbing revelation of presence of a section of insane people in the society who have no respect for humanity.
The student body called upon the perpetrators that killing of MC Mary Kom's father-in-law could have adverse affect upon the two time world women's boxing champion.