Photo: IFP
IMPHAL, August 3: Residents of Yairipok and its surrounding area erupted in protest today, after a local woman was found dead yesterday with knife injuries on her body.
Lourembam Ranjita Devi, 33, wife of L Loken Singh of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak was found dead during a manhunt Saturday night launched after she failed to return from the fields.
During a spot enquiry this morning, police recovered a sickle, a sandal and a Hero Captain cycle from near the place where her body was found.
Family members said Ranjita had left for work at their Kakmayai Mamang Loukol field under Yairipok Police, around 11am yesterday after having lunch.
When she failed to return, her husband Loken went to the fields but as it was already dark, failed to find her, the family said.
When Loken informed the family of this situation, a massive manhunt for the missing woman was launched during which her body was found from their field with knife marks on the left side corner of her lips and neck, the family informed.
There are also speculations that she was raped and then killed.
Meanwhile, angered residents of Yairipok Koirom, Kekru, Malom, Leirongthel, Ningel, Kakmayai Heitroipokpi Muslim locality and tribal villages of Khamlang erupted and rallied around the locality in more than 30 vehicles including Tata trucks today.
Later a public meeting was held at Khoirom Mathak Leikai Keithel, with Leirongthel Ningel GP pradhan S Kumar and Wangkhem ZP member Kh Sobha presiding over the proceedings.
During the meeting, the locals resolved that the body will not be retrieved for last rites until the culprits are arrested.
Setting August 6 as the deadline for the government to meet their demands, the public further demanded compensation for the bereaved family and threatened to launch sterner forms of agitations if the demands are not met.
Later, a JAC was also formed and took out another rally towards the Yairipok Bazar which was stopped at Bamon Leikai by the police.
Local MLA Keisham Meghachandra arrived at the spot and assured all possible help from his and the government’s side.
SP Thoubal Radheshyam urged the public for support and said in case of any discontentment or dissatisfaction with the police investigation, the public can complain to him or any of his subordinate officers.
No effort will be spared to make early arrest, he assured.
On the other hand, shops and vendors in the Yairipok bazar area remained closed for the day.
The JAC also submitted a memorandum to the Home minister, DC Thobal, SP Thoubal and others through the local MLA.
Post mortem was conducted today after the police had deposited the body last night around 11, but the family has refused to accept the body.
The deceased has two sons and two daughters.
