Dimapur, Sep. 24 (EMN): The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPG) and Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) have condemned the killing of former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), Athuan Abonmai, who was found dead with gunshot injuries at Pallong village in Manipur on Wednesday.
The WC NNPG said in a statement that the abduction and barbaric cold blooded murder of Abonmai has come as a rude shock to all peace loving communities of the Northeast.
“The fact that the presence of Manipur Chief Minister and hundreds of security forces in the vicinity failed to prevent a broad daylight abduction and subsequent murder, shows how outspoken community leaders are becoming easy prey to criminal organisations. Was Manipur state forces hand in glove armed organisations? Naga people want the answer,” read the press release.
It said CM Biren Singh “will have blood on his hands” until the perpetrators of the heinous crime are caught and persecuted; and organisations committing terrorist acts to stifle rights of individuals and communities must be challenged effectively and collectively.
Describing Abonmai as a “lion-hearted societal watchdog”, the group said that “he spoke his mind freely without fear or favour in the face of dire threats” and kept the interest of Zeliangrong and Naga people above all else.
“He was a ruthless critic against ruthless groups who are bent on keeping communities under tight leash with threats, false narrative and impractical nationalism. Zeliangrongs in particular and Nagas in general needed a fierce unrestrained mind like his,” WC NNPG stated, adding that it deeply cherish the heart warming mutual respect and positive interactions with the deceased in the past.
“Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis and other communities must learn to co-exist and progress as equal partners in the neighbourhood. We have lived together for centuries and will continue to do so. Mutual respect and recognition for each other’s history is important,” it added.
The WC NNPG conveyed condolences to the family of Abonmai and wished the departed leader rest in eternal peace.
The NMA also expressed shock and condemned the abduction and killing of the former Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president by armed gunmen.
“Killings cannot be justified under any circumstances. We urge and appeal to all armed brothers to abstain from shedding blood again and give the process of dialogue and building peace amongst ourselves a better chance,” it stated.
“We urge all leaders in this fragile political situation, both civil society and armed groups to remember our solidarity as a People and a struggling nation. We seek justice against the perpetrators from authorities concerned and convey our deepest condolences to his wife, children and family for the tragic loss. May his soul rest in peace,” it added.
It may be mentioned that Naga Hoho had on Thursday condemned the killing, terming it as “cowardice act and deserves condemnation by every right thinking citizen”.
Abonmai was allegedly abducted from Tamenglong district headquarters by some unidentified persons on Wednesday morning when he left home to attend an event organised by the government of Manipur. However, he was found dead with gunshot injuries later in the day.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the killing and no arrest made in connection with the case till the time of filing this report.
