Imphal: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee has announced that it would support the 24-hour total shutdown in the state announced by the Joint Action Committee against the brutal murder of Athuan Abonmai last month.
Abonmai, former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), was abducted and killed by the suspected armed cadres of Naga militant group, NSCN-IM faction led by Th Muivah on September 22, while he was participating in a government-sponsored outreach programme held at Tamenglong district headquarters.
Speaking to media persons here on Sunday, Congress spokesperson Bupenda Meitei stated that the Congress party joined in extending solidarity to the 24 hours bandh called from midnight of today (Sunday) till tomorrow’s midnight for Justice to (Late) Athuan Abonmai.
He also stated that as per the advice of AICC Senior Observer (Manipur) Jairam Ramesh, MP, and AICC in-charge (Manipur) Bhakta Charan Das, ex-MP, and MPCC state leadership, the party had decided to close the office and cancel all the official meetings which were scheduled to be held in the said duration for the upcoming elections in the state.
Last week, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) had directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe the assassination of social activist Athuan Abonmai after repeated appeals by the state government.
The Manipur police department also constituted a team headed by senior police officer Radhashyam Singh, with two other officials – K Kabib and Kamei Angam Romanus to probe the case.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government has suspended 16 policemen, including some troopers of Manipur Rifles over the killing.
