Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 19:
Alleging involvement of an underground member in the death of one Salam Punam Devi (21) of Nongmaikhong Makha Leikai agitated locals in coordination with nearby villagers have resolved to prohibit entry of all UG cadres in Arong Nongmaikhong area.
A hurriedly convened public meeting attended by several villagers of nearby areas like Khordak, Kumbi, Warurok and Wangoo was held at Hiyangtek Lairembi community hall located in Nongmaikhong Makha Leikai today.
Representatives of youth and women bodies as well as family members and friends of the deceased girl addressing the gathering accused UG activists of having malicious intention towards the young girls and exert force on them at any given opportunity.
Bursting with emotion, some speakers categorically questioned the very essence of forming revolutionary groups when the armed cadres instead of protecting the female member of the society are themselves extracting pleasure by inducing innocent girls to their whims.
There is no acceptable reason to offer solace to the armed cadres when they are committing crimes against the women folk of Manipur, said the speakers while asserting that no UG member irrespective of organisational background will be provided shelter in Arong Nongmaikhong area till groups concern clarify on the issue and punish the cadre/s involved in the ghastly killing of the 21 year old Punam Devi.
Deliberating on the occasion representatives of �JAC against the killing of Punam Devi� said some armed persons inquired on where Punam�s post mortem was held, identity of the doctor involved and not to link PREPAK was conducted, identity of doctor involved and not to link PREPAK with the case.
Taking PREPAK�s name unarguably lead to involvement of the same outfit, contended the JAC speakers while reiterating demand for detailed clarification and action initiated against the guilty within September 22 failing which entry of all UG members would be totally prohibited.
The meeting also resolved to resort to intense agitation and not to cremate Punam�s corpse until and unless both the Government and UG group concerned arrest and punish the killer/s.Shouting slogans and raising banner against the criminal act a protest rally was also staged in and around Nongmaikhong area after the public meeting.
The incident dates back to September 17 morning wherein the 21 year old girl was found hanging from a mango tree about 5.2 feet high growing at the side-yard of victim�s residence.
Punam is informed to have left home on September 16 night to elope with one Henry alias Herojit of Sagolband after family members came to know of physical intimacy between the girl and Henry, said to be a PREPAK cadre.
Before leaving home, Punam is said to have disclosed of the physical relationship with Henry to her sister-in-law.
However, the next morning she was found death hanging from the mango branch with a cloth wrung around her neck.




