IMPHAL June 27: The JAC formed in connection to the alleged rape and murder of K A Shanti has set June 28 as deadline for the State government to meet its demand regarding the case.
`Till date we have been peacefully pursuing the rightful justice and entitlements for the victim`™s minor orphans. However the attitude of the Government has been extremely shocking` said the JAC`™s secretary Themson Jajo.
He said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has refused to meet us and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who met us on his behalf had made us wait from 1pm to 7pm yesterday.
He claimed the Gaikhangam has stated that such a case does not qualify for ex-gratia from the State.
The village headmen, Z Shimthar added it is unfortunate that the deputy Chief Minister who is himself a tribal has discriminated the case in this wayward manner.
We take this response seriously as it reflects the very attitude of the present government, he continued.
While condemning the rape and murder the Headman said, the scale of brutality is savage.
Such a gruesome incident is new in the area and was committed by a non villager name Jukeshwar, he said demanding capital punishment of the accused.
Secretary of Thangkhul Naga Foothill Organisation which is a body of 56 villages, Tharmi said `we are deeply saddened by this crime and the disappointment at the response of the government has only increased our anxiety.`
If the government fails to response to us by noon tomorrow, we will intensify our agitation and the government should be held responsible for any outcome, he said.
It may be mentioned that a memorandum was also submitted to the Chief Minister yesterday demanding befitting punishment to the perpetrators, ex- gratia and support for the three minors`™ education and livelihood.
He further stated that the JAC will not accept the dead body, until the demands are fulfilled.
Women units of seven neighbouring villages also staged a sit in protest at Ramrei Ato Village starting from 10am and continuing till 5pm today against the alleged rape and murder.
The protestors also decried the apathy of the government.
Several womenfolk from surrounding villages namely Riha, Thawai, Ngarumphung, New Canaan Mayophung and Wunghon also participated in the sit in protest along with the Ramrei village womenfolk and the three minor orphans.
They shouted slogans against the culprits and against the government.
President of Naga Shanao Long Yaingangpokpi Area, Y S Hesia while condemning the rape and murder in the strongest term said, the women collective will not remain silent to the apathy of the government and the concern authorities.
Other units also joint in the chorus of solidarity and support to any further agitation to demand justice against such inhuman rape and murder of a mother.
Meanwhile, according to the Officer in Charge, Inspector Manikanta, the arrested suspect has been remanded to police custody till the June 30. The case was registered on June 24 under FIR No. 6(6) 2015 Litan Police Station under Section 302/34 IPC.
The partly mutilated body of a 40 year old Khongrei Awungshi Shanti wife of (L) KA Hormi of Ramrei Ato Village who had gone missing about three days back was found with tell-tale signs of rape at Ramrei Ato Village on June 24.
