Imphal: Amid massive public outrage and uproar by opposition over the killing of Athuan Abonmai by the suspected armed cadres of the Isac-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), on Wednesday, the Manipur government on Thursday suspended at least 14 policemen including three officers for their “gross misconduct and dereliction of duty”.
Abonmai, a former president of Zeliangrong Baudi, a top body of the Zeliangrong community, was found dead with gunshot injuries on Wednesday evening after being abducted allegedly by the cadres of NSCN-IM, while he was participating in a government outreach programme held at Tamenglong district headquarters.
Inspector Thaimei Dominique Gaiphunlung, Officer-in-Charge, Tamenglong Police station; SI Lalminthang Hmangte of CDO/IE presently attached with Special Commando, Khabeisoi; ASI Kh Shakhamba of Tamenglong district, presently posted at Reserve Line, Tamenglong; Head Constable G Dimthuilung of Tamenglong district, presently posted at Reserve Line (Traffic); Head Constable Guangching of Tamenglong district, presently posted at Tamenglong police station; RC Irabanta of Tamenglong district presently posted at Tamenglong police station; Constable Meijinlung of Tamenglong district presently posted at Tamenglong police station; RC Ibungo of Tamenglong district, presently posted at Tamenglong police station; RC Chunthuingam of Tamenglong district presently posted at Tamenglong police station; Rifleman Kadithon of “Adm-1”-Coy, 5th Bn, Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron; Rifleman G Namsilung of “Adm-1” – Coy, 5th Bn, Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron; Rifleman Nambilung Gangmei of “Adm-1” – Coy 5th, Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron; Havildar P Dinkhetlak of “E”- Coy, 5th Bn, Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron; and VDF Ataluwang of Reserve Line, Tamenglong (Traffic) have been suspended for ‘dereliction of duty’ and ‘gross negligence’ while they were deployed at Tamenglong in connection with the visit of the Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday.
The statements issued separately by LM Khaute DGP; Mahurie Sandip Gopaldas, SP Tamenglong district; N Herojit Meetei, SP Imphal East and N Madhunimai, MPS, Commandant, 5th Bn Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron, said that those suspended officials and policemen shall not leave their HQs without permission from the competent authority concerned.
But for Ataluwang, SP Tamenglong said his name is disengaged from the service of Village Defence Force (VDF) with immediate effect and his name is also struck off from the strength of VDF members in the public interest. He should not be allowed to enter any Police Station/Police Posts, he added.
