UZCC seeks justice, compensation and security measures after Chunjanglung Panmei's killing in Kangpokpi district.
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EM Bureau
DIMAPUR/ IMPHAL — The United Zeliangrongpui Co-ordination Committee (UZCC) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur demanding immediate justice following the killing of Chunjanglung Panmei, a resident of Pongringrong Village Part I in Kangpokpi district.
According to the memorandum,. Panmei, 57, was allegedly ambushed and shot dead by suspected Kuki militants at around 6 am on June 8, while he was on his way to inspect a water source that supplies the entire village.
Describing the incident as a "brutal and senseless killing," the UZCC stated that the attack had plunged the bereaved family into deep sorrow and further heightened insecurity among vulnerable Naga villages in the region.
The committee said it had strongly condemned the incident and urged the Government of Manipur to take immediate steps to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the killing in accordance with the law.
It also called for adequate compensation for the victim's family and measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable Naga settlements.
In its memorandum, the UZCC placed the following demands before the state government: provision of a suitable government job to one member of the bereaved family as an immediate rehabilitation measure; grant of immediate ex gratia compensation to the family of the deceased; immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant organisations; and deployment of adequate security personnel and implementation of appropriate measures to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable Naga villages affected by the ongoing violence.
The committee maintained that the killing was not an isolated incident but part of a series of attacks that had left Naga communities vulnerable. It urged the state government to act decisively to protect innocent civilians, deliver justice to the victim's family and prevent further violence.
The committee also sought a written assurance from the government within three days from the date of receipt of the memorandum.
In a separate statement, the UZCC demanded the Government of Manipur to take immediate and decisive action to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible under the law of the land.
NPF Manipur condemns
The NPF Manipur State Unit has condemned the killing of Chunjanglung Panmei of Pongringlong Village, describing the incident as a "cold-blooded and cowardly act."
In a statement, the party expressed deep outrage and sorrow over the murder of Panmei.
Terming the incident a barbaric act that defies human values and moral conscience, the NPF Manipur said that those who target unarmed civilians are enemies of peace and humanity. It asserted that such acts of terror cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be unequivocally rejected by all sections of society.
Demanding justice, it stated that the brutal killing of an innocent civilian must not go unanswered. It urged the authorities to identify and bring those responsible to justice, adding that peace cannot prevail where innocent blood is shed with impunity and that justice must be delivered swiftly and decisively.
Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Panmei were taken to his native village for the last rites on Tuesday.
A large number of people from the Rongmei Naga community received the body from the RIMS mortuary in Imphal and held a condolence gathering before proceeding with the funeral rites.