IMPHAL: Acting swiftly on the killing of Zeliangrong Naga leader Athuan Abonmai, the state government has suspended at least 16 police personnel, including the officer-in-charge (OC) of Tamenglong police station, an inspector rank, and disengaged (terminated) one village defence force (VDF) member.
Abonmai, advisor and former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagalnd) was shot dead by suspected cadres of the NSCN (IM) in Tamenglong district on Wednesday evening. He was abducted by unknown persons the same morning in front of some security personnel, including Manipur police, near the gate of a public ground where a major government event was held. Chief minister N Biren Singh and his cabinet colleagues arrived there later to join the programme.
“As many as 16 police personnel have so far been put under suspension,” the CM said at a press conference here on Friday.
The suspension of the policemen, including five BN Manipur Rifles personnel, and disengagement of the VDF man, was made for their “negligence of duty” during the CM’s visit at Tamenglong district headquarters.
Meanwhile, an inquiry committee, headed by inspector general of Manipur police (intelligence) K Radheshyam Singh as chairman, has been constituted to probe the incident.
“The other two members of the panel are deputy IGs K Kabib (Range-II) and Angam Romanus (Range-IV),” said an order dated September 23 issued by the state DGP LM Khaute. “The committee will also inquire into whether there were lapses in the security arrangements, fix responsibilities and suggest measures to prevent any such incident in future,” it said, adding that the committee should submit its report within one week “without fail”.
A large combined team of state forces led by a senior officer rushed to Tamenglong to launch a massive operation to nab Abonmai’s killers, a source said, adding that Assam Rifles already deployed in the district have been asked to to coordinate with the state police during the operation.
A Joint Action Committee formed against murder of Abonmai demanded a high-level probe by the NIA.
The opposition Congress has demanded a judicial probe into the incident to be headed by not less than a sitting high court judge.
