CCpur, Jul 5: The founder president of Hmar National Army (HNA), an armed group affiliated to KNO and a signatory to the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the State and Central Government, was killed in the wee hours today as armed assailants reportedly shot him twice outside his rented house at Hmar Veng here.
Lalthangsang Intoate (54) son of Khamlien was shot today morning around 1.10 by unidentified armed assailants when he was about to enter the house through the gate, critically wounding him, sources said. He was first taken to Sielmat Christian Hospital and later shifted to the District Hospital where he reportedly succumbed at around 2.30 am.
Lalthangsang is the vice supremo of Kuki National Organisation (KNO).
Police source said he received two bullet wounds on the abdomen, both of which penetrated and caused serious damages to his internal organs that eventually claimed his life.
Sources said, Lalthangsang had left the house alone early in the night and was about to enter his house when he was attacked. Bullet marks on the gate suggest that he might have been shot from behind or must have been facing the assailants.
The family and relatives have refrained from giving further details of the attack and refused to comment on who could have been behind the attack. The HNA too has not released any formal statement till date with regards to the assassination of its chief. An autopsy was conducted in the afternoon at the Hospital mortuary and the mortal remains were later taken to Sielmat village where his last rite will be held tomorrow at the residence of his elder brother Lalremsang.
The Hmar Students’ Association, Jt Hqtrs, Churachandpur has requested shopkeepers located along the route the slain armed leader will be passing through to close down till his body was taken home to pay homage to the late leader, while several schools have also declared a half-holiday on their request.
Meanwhile, the Hmar Inpui, Ghqs; Hmar Students’ Association, Ghqs; Hmar Youth Association, Ghqs and Hmar Women’s Association, Ghqs have condemned the brutal killing of Lalthangsang Intaote.
“Since life is a gift from the Almighty, the Hmar civil society organisations lament the total disregard for the value of human life and the life of a visionary leader of the Hmars,” said a joint condemnation issued by the HI, HSA, HYA and HWA. It urged all concerned not to repeat such inhumane and brutal acts. The Hmar bodies also remembered him as a leader who has a passion for unity among the Hmars. “Hmars will always remember his contributions for their betterment.”
The Hmar civil society organisations also prayed that the Almighty comforts and gives solace to the bereaved family.
