Houses of four other accused burnt to cinders; Naga areas heed UNC's call to observe 12 hr lockdown Meiteis-Nagas rise as one to condemn killing of M Lucy Maring

Sangaiexpress, IMPHAL, Jul 17, 2023: Even as womenfolk in large number staged a sit-in protest in front of Uripok Cheirap Court, Imphal against the brutal killing of M Lucy Maring, the 12-hour total shut down called by the United Naga Council on Monday crippled normal life in Tengnoupal, Chandel, Ukhrul and Kamjong district.

Called in all Naga inhabited districts, UNC's demand for justice for M Lucy Maring also echoed in the valley districts.

Sit-ins endorsing UNC's stand were organised by womenfolk, local clubs and organisations at Uripok, Khongjom Bazar, Maring Keithel and Wangjing.

M Lucy Maring was brutally killed on July 15 at Keibi Heikakmapal. She hailed from Narum village, Tengnoupal district.

Notably, nine persons including five women were arrested yesterday by the Imphal East police and they were produced before the Duty Magistrate Imphal East.

The nine accused have been identified as Huidrom Naocha alias Lanmeithanbi (43) of Huidrom Mayai Leikai, Okram Samungou (38)  of Heikakmapal, Oinam Suraj alias Ibungo (27)  of Keibi Heikakmapal, Thounaojam Chingkhei-nganba alias Dhumba (25) of Sawombung Block, Ahanthem Sobita alias Aliyang Newmai (61) of Sawombung Maning Leikai, Thounaojam Lata (63) of Sawombung Block, Ayek-pam Ashalata (56) of Sawombung Gate, Ahan-them Ito Devi (50) of Sawombung Gate and Ngasepam Sunita (42) of Sagolband Tera, presently staying at Keibi Heikakmapal.

All the nine accused persons have been remanded to police custody till July 22.

Angry locals have burnt down the houses of four accused persons. Four of them have been banished from their respective localities.

The house of Huidrom Naocha alias Lanmeithanbi was vandalised by locals and he was banished from Huidrom Mayai Leikai Litan Makhong today.

Meanwhile, the 12 hour total shutdown affected normal life in Tengnoupal, Chandel, Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

People in large number enforced bandh at Teng-noupal and Chandel district.

Near Lucy's village at Pallel, her neighbours in large numbers blocked the National Highway 102 at Pallel bridge and demanded befitting action against all culprits involved in the killing.

During the protest, Lucy's sister-in-law M Grace demanded the reason for the killing from the culprits.

Our family wants to see and receive Lucy's remains with integrity, said M Grace, demanding justice from the Government.

She said all the persons involved must be arrested and given stringent punishment.

People held placards that read "We strongly condemn the brutal killing of M Lucy Maring Naga", "Do not play the sentiment of Naga", "Arrest all culprits", "Stop killing the Naga", "We want justice", "Justice for M Lucy Maring",  "We want peaceful coexistence".

In Ukhrul, the 12-hr  bandh was enforced by Tangkhul student body, Tangkhul Katamnao Long under the aegis of Tangkhul Naga Long in all the Tangkhul villages.

No vehicles were seen moving on the road during the bandh that began from early morning at 6 while shops, schools, colleges and other establishments including Government offices remained shut.

President of TKS, Ramreichan Keishing stated that supporting UNC's call, TKS volunteers were deployed in all entry and exit points of Ukhrul and Kamjong to enforce the shutdown. The State Govt must immediately constitute a Judiciary Inquiry Committee and arrest all persons involved in the commission of the heinous crime. Exemplary punishment must be given to all the culprits, he said.

He also asserted that the Meitei civil society organisations must make known their position on the issue.

The shutdown also affected normal life in Senapati with all business establishments and transportations coming to a standstill.

Addressing the media at Senapati Bazar, James Hau, information & publicity secretary, UNC, stated that the 12-hour total shutdown was by and large peaceful in all hill districts with no untoward incidents.

The bandh was called in protest against the brutal murder of M Lucy Maring, a Maring Naga woman.

The UNC has placed a 3-point demand to get justice for Lucy. Intense agitation will be launched if the demands are not fulfilled within 48 hours, he said.

https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/7/18/OSR-CorrespondentsIMPHAL-Jul-17-Even-as-womenfolk-in-large-number-staged-a-sit-in-protest-in-front-of-Urip.html