Manipur govt. signs MoU with JAC on murder case

Our Correspondent
 Imphal, Oct. 6 (EMN): The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the abduction and subsequent killing of a social activist in Manipur has agreed to suspend all forms of agitation and extend cooperation to the police and all investigating agencies to facilitate early completion of investigation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the JAC and Manipur government in this regard on Wednesday.

Sharing the photographs of the meeting with JAC members through a Facebook post, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh wrote ‘it was agreed that an inquiry into the facts and circumstances leading to the death of late Shri Athuan Abonmai, and to fix responsibility thereof, will be conducted by an officer, not below the rank of an Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Manipur. As far as possible, the inquiry will be completed within three months. The inquiry will be independent of the investigation to be conducted by the NIA (National Investigation Agency), and the findings thereof may be submitted to the NIA’.

On September 22, Athuan Abonmai, advisor and former president of Zeliangrong Baudi, who came to attend a government programme attended by Chief Minister N Biren Singh at Tamenglong town, was found dead near Pallong village after report of his abduction by unidentified persons in Tamenglong district.

As per the MoU, it was acknowledged that the FIR lodged into the crime involved in the killing, has been taken over by the NIA for investigation.

It agreed that eldest son of late Athuan Abonmai will be appointed to the post of sub-inspector of police in the Manipur Police department and an amount of INR 10 Lakh will be paid as r compensation to the next-of-kin of late Athuan Abonmai.

Both the JAC and state authority also agreed that a suitable site will be identified by the Deputy Commissioner concerned in consultation with the JAC for establishing a graveyard of late Athuan Abonmai, and where a memorial could be set up in his memory.

It also agreed that the JAC will take steps for receiving custody of the dead body of the late Athuan Abonmai for conducting a funeral, with assistance from the Deputy Commissioner concerned.