Rally seeks justice for 3 Nagas killed in assault

IMPHAL, Oct 2: A public rally in Manipur’s Senapati district on Friday served a seven-day ultimatum to the state government while seeking justice for the three Naga members killed recently by suspected militants.
On September 26 last, suspected militants launched an armed assault at Kailengjang, a Naga village at the Senapati-Kangpokpi inter-district border, killing two individuals – K Rocky Osanah and Kh Kumar Poumai – on the spot.
Ashiho Sani, one of the two grievously injured persons in the same armed assault that Naga based CSOs linked to ongoing renewed Naga-Kuki conflict later succumbed to his injuries.
Adani Manio, who survived the attack, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the district.
Hundreds of people from various walks of life took part in the “Public rally in protest against the cold blooded murder of the 3 villagers who were mercilessly killed and grievously injured to one.”
The rally organized by the Naga People’s Organization (NPO) saw solidarity from other CSOs based in the district while joining the rally. The rally kicked off from the Traffic Point at Senapati district headquarters and culminated at the originating place after snaking through the streets along the NH-2 upto Forest Gate.
A memorandum addressed to chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh highlighting a nine-point charter of demands was submitted to the deputy commissioner of the district.
A delegation led by NPO leaders and representatives of other CSOS handed over the memorandum to the DC at his official residence as the office remained closed for the day on account of Gandhi Jayanti.
In the memorandum, the NPO sought a written response from the state government within seven days and threatened that democratic forms of agitation may follow in case of no positive response within the set deadline.
Among others, the memorandum sought constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a senior police officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP) which the report is to be submitted within 30 days and file the charge-sheet before the competent court within 45 days. The demands were:

1. Constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a senior police officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
2. The investigation should be completed within 30 days from the constitution of the SIT, with the charge-sheet filed before the competent court within 45 days, subject to applicable law and judicial requirements.
3. An interim status report may kindly be provided to the victims’ families and the Naga People’s Organisation within 15 days of the constitution of the SIT, to the extent permissible under law.
4. The Government of Manipur should immediately sanction and disburse ex-gratia assistance of not less than Rs.10,00,000 each to the next of kin of the three deceased victims.
5. Adequate medical assistance and necessary financial relief should be provided to Adani Manio, the surviving injured victim, who is presently undergoing treatment.
6. Necessary assistance should be provided to the bereaved families towards burial and customary rites.
7. Provide compassionate appointment to an eligible next of kin and educational assistance for dependent children, in accordance with applicable rules and schemes.
8. The State Government should immediately strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable Naga villages along the Senapati–Kangpokpi border, including effective patrolling, area domination and protection of civilian habitations.
9. The Government should ensure that armed cadres, or any other armed elements, do not operate in a manner that endangers civilian lives or facilitates attacks upon civilian habitations, and necessary action should be taken in accordance with law wherever such activities are found.