Imphal, March 31 2009: Denouncing the deafening silence being maintained by the State Govt in the face of the people's vehement and uni-vocal demand to punish the culprits involved in the brutal murder of Dr Kishan and his two staff, a 24 hours general strike has been called all over Manipur with effect from midnight of April 1 till the midnight of April 2 .

Briefing media persons in this regard at Nagamapal Kangjabi Mandop today, chairman of the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Dr Th Kishan, Y Token and A Rajen, Soram Tiken reminded the people's persisting demand to the Government of Manipur to punish the culprits according to law.

However, the State Government has been sleeping over the issue in total disregard to the people's collective demand.

Even as the State Cabinet has decided to hand over the murder case to CBI, it is still unclear whether the CBI taken over the case or not, Tiken said.

People have no idea what steps have been taken up by the State Government in pursuit of the State Assembly resolution to affect hand over of the culprits to the State law enforcing agency.

Not only that, report of the enquiry conducted under the State Government has not been made public till date, he decried.

Condemning such irresponsible attitude of the Government, the JAC functionary also asserted that the inability of the Govt of India to say any word to the NSCN (IM) which is under ceasefire pact with New Delhi regarding the culprits currently under the latter's custody implies that the Government of India is shielding the murderers.

JAC convenor Y Kapu appealed to the people to undertake various forms of agitation against the triple murder during the 24 hours general strike.

S Subhankar, another convenor of the JAC, observed that all the political parties of Manipur have gone under the spell of the Lok Sabha elections.

No political now dares to speak against NSCN (IM).

But this is against the common interest of the people, he asserted.

Insisting on the people's demand to punish the culprits according to law, a protest van rally was also taken out under the aegis of the JAC.

The rally which started from Thangmeiband Chingkhong passed through Khongnang Karak, Lamlong bridge, Khurai, Konung Mamang, Wangkhei, Kongba, Singjamei, Pishum, Tera, Naoremthong, Uripok and Thangmeiband Khoirom Leikai where the wound up.

A candle light vigil was also organised at Keishamthong this evening on the same demand.

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