IMPHAL, September 24: Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the brutal killing of Henkhothang Haokip, today organised a mass rally to protest the brutal murder and the government irresponsible nature on the said incident at Churachandpur district headquarters today.
Today’s mass protest rally organised JAC got the support of Hmar Students’ Association, Zomi Students’ Federation, Churachandpur District Students’ Union, Gangte Students’ Organisation and Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur.
People assembled at Lamka Public Ground where the rally begins. The rally proceeded to the office of the Deputy Commissioner where a memorandum addressed to the prime minister was submitted.
Protestors holding “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhereâ€, Justice delayed is justice deniedâ€, “Act Fastâ€, etc. were seen displayed during the mass rally.
Students from eighteen schools in the town tied up to protest against the brutal killing of Henkhothang.
It is estimated that over 15,000 attended the protest rally jointly organised by the JAC in collaboration with student bodies.
Mentioned may be made that, Henkhothang Haokip,60 years, Chief of S Nabil was killed allegedly by one Sehpu Haokip, reportedly an Ex MLA residing at Old Lambulane, Imphal with his two aides namely Lamkhomang and Thangkholal on the fateful night of September 7.
A memorandum where a copy is also with the IFP stated that, a JAC formed against the killing responded and called indefinite bandh in Churachandpur from 8 September where a memorandum was submitted for the first time to the deputy commissioner.
However, upon the assurance given by the Chief Minister and Home Minister, the bandh was called off. The body of the S Nabil chief was then taken and laid to rest as per Kuki tradition.
However, the government did nothing in bringing justice till today. On the other hand, Sehpu Haokip, who was accused of murdering the Chief-as per eyewitness account- is still a free man, the memorandum alleged.
The protest rally demanded the government to immediately arrest the murderers and award them befitting punishment as a deterrent according to the law of the land, to freeze all properties belonging to Sehpu and provide security to the eyewitness and family members of the deceased chief.
The JAC further warns of launching an intense form of agitation in collaboration with likeminded student bodies if the government doesn’t fulfil the demands raised by the JAC.
It also made it clear that the JAC shall not be held responsible for any untoward incidents or violence as a result of the agitation. It all happens due to government inaction in delivering justice, warns the JAC.