NSF demands justice for cold-blooded murder of Maring Naga woman in Manipur, questions Arambai Tenggol and Maira Paibis
Kohima, 17 July (MTNews): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed deep anguish over the brutal murder of M Lucy Marem, a 57-year-old Maring Naga woman from Beaularham Village in Chandel district, Manipur. The NSF reports that the heinous act was committed by the Arambai Tenggol group in collusion with local Maira Paibis on 15 July in Imphal. This “cowardly act,” according to NSF, is a “direct challenge to the Maring Naga people in particular and the Naga people as a whole.”
The NSF questioned the intention of the Arambai Tenggol group and the Maira Paibis who colluded with the perpetrators of the crime and said that the very act of bludgeoning an innocent lady to death speaks for how the perpetrator has ‘systematically planned’ the ongoing ethnic violence in the state.
The NSF said it vehemently condemns this targeted hate crime and that it believes the lawlessness prevailing in Manipur is “a creation of the present dispensation,” adding that individuals at the helm of affairs should be held accountable.
The NSF emphasized that Nagas, wherever they are placed, are peace-loving people. However, the federation asserted that the Naga people will not remain silent if their very existence is threatened by forces that oppose their peaceful attitude and approach.
“Our warrior blood will not rest if our very existence is threatened by forces that are inimical to our peaceful attitude and approach. We will not tread lightly even if a strand of our hair is touched with ill-intention,” the federation cautioned.
Demanding justice, the NSF called for befitting actions against the perpetrators by the authorities concerned as demanded by the United Naga Council and other Naga organizations.
Concerns mount as Nagas get dragged into ethnic conflict
Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala taking to twitter said that the Manipur violence continues “unchecked, uncontrolled & unabated” amidst mysterious silence of PM Modi, complete inaction of HM and complicity of BJP CM Biren Singh.
“Govt of India has left Manipur to fend for itself, without bothering or caring for finding a solution or healing the wedge between communities. The latest acts of violence are even more worrying as they threaten to pull in the Naga community in the already ongoing conflict,” the Congress MP said urging PM Modi to intervene before it is too late.
It may be recalled that Colonel (retd.) Hunny Bakshi, the former Commanding Officer of the Technical Support Division (TSD) of the Indian Army during an interview conducted with journalist Arihant of Vaad six days ago, has thanked the Naga groups living in Manipur for not being a party to the violence and for being mature in their decision.
He also said that if the Nagas were to join in the violence, the situation would have been more dangerous than it already is.
Therefore, in what can be seen as an attempt to contain the situation from deteriorating further, nine individuals, including five women were arrested by Manipur Police in connection with the murder of Lucy Marem.
Marem, in her mid-50s, was tragically shot dead in the Sawombung area on Saturday evening, leading to widespread concern and outrage.
Authorities have confirmed that two firearms were seized from the arrested individuals, further intensifying the gravity of the situation. The arrests were made from various parts of the district as part of a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspects responsible for this heinous crime.
Superintendent of Police (Imphal East), Ksh Shivakanta Singh, affirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. He emphasized that if any other individuals are found to be involved in the murder, they will be promptly arrested to ensure justice is served.
Additionally, in response to this tragic incident, the Heikakmapal Village Development Committee has announced its decision to banish three of the accused from the locality, reflecting the strong condemnation and desire for retribution within the community.
Normal life in the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur affected
Meanwhile, a 12-hour shutdown from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm was imposed in areas inhabited by the Naga people in Manipur on Monday. The shutdown, called by the United Naga Council (UNC), which is the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, was to protest against the killing and demand a judicial inquiry into the murder. The UNC further seeks “exemplary punishment” for the accused, highlighting the severity of the situation and the urgent need for justice.
Supreme Court refuses to interfere with Manipur High Court’s order on internet ban
In a significant development, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the Manipur High Court’s decision to lift the ban on the internet in the northeastern state today. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, along with Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, granted the state government the liberty to approach the high court for reconsideration of its verdict.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, highlighted the challenges faced in implementing the high court’s order. However, the top court refrained from delving into the matter and instructed the state government to present its concerns and difficulties before the high court, which is scheduled to address internet-ban related issues on 25 July.
The Manipur government’s plea was expedited by the apex court after it was urgently listed on Friday. On 7 July, the Manipur High Court had directed the restoration of internet services across the state through Internet Lease Line (ILL) connections, following the fulfillment of safeguards outlined by the Expert Committee appointed by the court.
These safeguards included limiting the internet speed to 10MBPS, obtaining undertakings from users to refrain from engaging in illegal activities, and subjecting users to physical monitoring by relevant authorities. The high court’s decision came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the reinstatement of internet services in Manipur, which had been suspended since 3 May due to ethnic clashes between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki communities.
The suspension of internet services was a preventive measure taken by the state government to mitigate the spread of rumors, videos, photos, and messages that could potentially exacerbate the law and order situation amidst sporadic incidents of violence.