Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh in a press briefing today said he was shocked after watching the viral video footage available in public domain of Athuan Abonmai’s abduction in broad daylight and condemned the culprits, calling them ‘terrorist’ for the cowardly act.
He also said he condemned himself as the Home Department incharge for the security lapses and asked for apology to the public.
Speaking to media, he recapped the inauguration of Oxygen Plant, additional 50 bedded hospital and Tamenglong Natural Football ground at Tamenglong district headquarter in his last visit on September 22. It may be mentioned that, altogether, 32 projects were inaugurated virtually for Tamenglong and Noney District out of which 28 are completed projects and the remaining 4 projects the foundation stone was also laid by the chief minister of Manipur.
N Biren said that Athuan Abomnai was a tall and a vocal hill leader who voiced for Manipur state unity. Condemning in the strongest term on behalf of the state government and from his individual capacity the kidnapping of Athuan Abonmai by unidentified suspects and subsequent killing of him, he said it was a cowardly act.
N Biren told in the briefing that befitting punishment to all culprits will be given, adding that as Home Department incharge, an independent committee has been formulated in IG (intelligence) level to probe into the kidnapping and murder of Athuan Abonmai adding that no one involved will be spared.
“Similarly, inquiries are in process in Home Department level and district level for further action plan”, he said. The chief minister also categorically said that any lapses by politician, civil society or anyone concerned behind the case will be dealt with under the legal parameters and action.
N Biren also opined if the morale of the security forces in the hills have collapsed.
“Intervening by police on any public quarrel or public distress is the duty of a police personal,” he added.
Security personnel who failed to abide by duty during the abduction episode of Athuan Abonmai have been identified and suspended. “All together 16 security personnel have been suspended so far including an OC, SI, ASI with further inquiry underway,” he added.
Calling the abductors terrorist, he pointed out that any state security personnel who connived in sabotaging the security lapses will be interrogated. He further said that suspension of the security personnel is not the end of it.
N Biren also added that any group involved with talks with government of India if found involved will be handed over to NIA, reminding about SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan murder in 2019.
Also read: Athuan Abonmai, Former Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) President Found Dead After Abduction
Chief minister extending his condolences to the bereaved family assured that the family Athuan Abonmai left behind will be taken care of. Manipur government in a cabinet level meeting, N Biren said, will decide extraordinary ex-gratia amount and also the deceased’s children and family will be awarded with appropriate commensurate post, even up to a respectable rank in Manipur police if qualified.
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