Imphal, 18 July (MTNews): Following the brutal killing of Mrs M Lucy, representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) met with Chief Minister Biren Singh today to address the tragic incident. The meeting, held in the presence of several dignitaries, aimed to discuss the grievances of the UNC and establish measures to ensure justice for the victim’s family.
Mrs M Lucy was of Maring Naga community, originally of Narum Village, who was tragically killed on 15 July 2023 in Sawombung. Expressing their deep anguish over the heinous crime, the UNC representatives conveyed their concerns to the Chief Minister. The COCOMI, taking moral responsibility for the incident, expressed regret and tendered apology to the Naga delegates led by the UNC.
Chief Minister Biren Singh also condemned the ‘inhuman crime’ and shared his grief and sympathy with the family members of the victim as well as the representatives of the UNC and assured that “justice would not only be served but also be seen to be served.”
Following this, an agreement was reached between UNC and COCOMI where they agreed to ensure that the culprits shall be taken into custody and given befitting punishment in accordance with law. The State Government and its agencies will ensure that the investigation will be taken up with utmost seriousness and swiftness.
Second, the State Government will pay an amount of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of late Mrs M Lucy to fulfill the agreement as per Naga customary law. Third, the State Government will pay an amount of Rs 5 lakh to meet ritual requirements according to Maring customary law. Fourth, the State Government will pay Rs 5 lakh to meet the educational needs of the daughter of the victim.
Fifth, the State Government will provide employment to the daughter of late Mrs M Lucy in a government post commensurate with her educational qualification when she becomes eligible in age for such employment.
It was agreed that COCOMI shall initiate efforts to ensure that no such untoward incident/harassment is given to any community in future.
In return, UNC agreed to suspend all forms of agitation and extend cooperation to the police to facilitate early completion of investigation.
The meeting was also attended by Khashim Vashum, Minister of Transport, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry; Dinganglung Gangmei, MLA Nungba AC & Chairman, Hills Area Committee; and SS Olish, MLA Chandel AC.