Lungpha couple's murder Bodies condemn, JAC formed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 26 2011: Along with constitution of a joint action committee christened JAC Against the Killing of Vareingam Mahongnao and Ngaherla Mahongnao, Lungphu Village, inhabitants of eastern Mapithel hill range comprising of eight villages have strongly condemned the murder of the young couple.

The Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) said that the action and manner in which the couple were murdered violated all tenets of human dignity.

The wanton brutality of the act violated the rights of the three children in front of the couple were killed.

The NPMHR, in a press statement, asserted that such action called for the strongest action at the earliest from the appropriate authorities.

Even as the young kids who were sleeping together with the parents escaped unhurt, they were in a state of shock when this report was filed, said a press release issued by the newly constituted JAC.

As told by close relatives and friends, Vareignam did not receive any threat or warning before he was shot dead together with his wife on July 24 night.

The JAC has been constituted under the aegis of the Zingso Mapithel Long, an apex association of the eight villages of eastern Mapithel hill range to spear-head the grievances of the people of the area and ensure that justice is delivered.

The JAC has also put up a charter of demands, the foremost being clarification from the responsible group/organisation within 48 hours.

The responsible group/organisation should provide evidence/proof as to why such act was committed.

The trauma being endured by the young children of the deceased couple and their life security should be looked into by the appropriate authority without delay.

The Government should investigate the matter and book the perpetrators of the crime and award befitting punishment as per the law of the land.

A clear picture of the crime and any incidental matter thereof should be made known to the JAC within one week.

Ex-gratia/compensation applicable to such victims and their dependents should be provided at the earliest in the interest of all without partiality by the Government, the JAC demanded.

Meanwhile, the Southern Tangkhul Students' Union (TAKL) has also come out strongly against the murder of the young couple.

The TAKL appealed to the Government and civil organisations to take up necessary action to ensure that justice is delivered as fast as possible.

If the perpetrators of the crime do not clarify and apologise in the coming days, and if they cannot be brought to book, the TAKL would be compelled to launch a series of agitation, it said in a press release.

It further appealed to all concerned not to repeat such inhuman acts in the future.

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