IMPHAL, April 11: A JAC formed in the aftermath of the violence which erupted in Mayang Imphal area following the death of two youth who were assaulted by a mob for allegedly trying to steal a moped on April 7, has said that the issue should not be made communal.
Speaking at a press meet today, JAC secretary Naorem Brajakumar said the incident should not be given any communal tinge.
Recounting the series of incident which has led to the present situation, he said on April 7, three unidentified young persons who came in a white colour Honda Activa tried to drive awasy with another maroon colour Honda Activa from near a fish farm when the owner of the Activa and others working in the fish farms saw them and shouted at them.
However, on hearing their shouts, the three youth dump their vehicles and tried to run away but were caught by the villagers, he added.
Later it was also found out that the white Activa on which they came was registered in the name of a person from Sagolband area, he added.
After they were thrashed by the mob, they were handed over to the Mayang Imphal Police Station along with items seized from them which include tools to help in stealing vehicles, he added.
The same day they were admitted at the hospital, he said adding that it is unfortunate that two of them died the same day.
Following the incident, a JAC was formed which imposed a general strike along the Mayai Lambi starting April 10 midnight till 6pm of April 11, he said.
However, despite the JAC declaring that emergency services, schools and those attending religious ceremonies will be exempted from the purview of the bandh, it is unfortunate that the bandh imposers attacked even those attending religious functions, he added.
He said the JAC would like to appeal to all not to make the issue communal, but instead to bring a solution at the earliest.
The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation has also appealed to the government to look into the attempts of some individuals who are trying to ignite communal tension in the State over some personal disagreement in recent times.
A statement of the AMUCO signed by its secretary general T Gandhi Meetei said the government should control the violence at the earliest.
It claimed that the government has failed to take any precautionary measures in the aftermath of the incidents in Lilong and Mayang Imphal areas.
It said in connection with the incidents, AMUCO is also meeting leaders of both the communities to bring an amicable solution.
It further said AMUCO strongly condemn any communal tension in the State.
It has further appealed to all to stop spreading rumours which could fan the already volatile situation.