Tha Ministry of Home Affairs has given a go-ahead to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to launch an investigation into the abduction and murder case of Manipur tribal leader Athuan Abonmai.
An order was released by special secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, H Gyan Prakash on Friday, stating that the Ministry of Home Affairs (order No.11011/63/2021/NIA dated 30-09-2021) has issued orders directing the NIA to take up investigation of the case.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Joint Action Committee (JAC) stated that a 24-hour total shutdown will be imposed in the state from midnight of October 3, against the brutal murder of Athuan Abonmai.
The Committee claims that the suspected organisation behind the horrific crime is well known by the state government, hence it is their responsibility to tackle the situation effectively.
Several Civil Society Organizations and student bodies of Manipur took to the streets, protesting for justice in Athuan Abonmai murder case.
On September 28, the cops had nabbed 2 suspects linked to the killing of Abonmai. The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered an NIA probe into Manipur leader Athuan Abonmai’s murder.
Expressing solidarity with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) representative members from 16 civil society organisations staged a joint sit-in protest at the community hall of Keisampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal on September 27.
The case was handed over to the NIA on September 26 after the state Home Department wrote to the Ministry of Home Affair on September 25, suspecting the act to have been carried out by NSCN (IM) cadres, speculating tension between the bordering states.
Manipur Congress had also issued a statement demanding that the DM and SP of the district concerned be sacked in 24 hours. They also demanded a judicial inquiry in the matter by no less than a sitting High Court judge.
They also question the DGP of Manipur as to what led to the failure of non-responsiveness to the FIR lodged by Abonmai’s son at Lamphel Police Station.
Athuan Abonmai’s body was found on September 22 along the Tamenglong-Tamei road after two armed miscreants allegedly shot him in the head. Abonmai was abducted and killed 28 km from a public function in Tamenglong district where the CM was also present.
Also read: Manipur: Two suspects arrested in Athuan Abonmai murder case
