Imphal, Jan 17 : Compromising safety of civilians by underground elements through engaging them (civilians) in activities of armed groups came under sharp attack from the JAC formed in the aftermath of the death of Yambem Shashikumar alias Boicha (27) of Khundrakpam Awang Leikai.
Shashikumar who was among three persons killed when a shoot-out broke-out between troops of the BSF and cadres of the proscribed KCP-MC at Nongada area on January 14 night.
Speaking to newspersons in connection with the incident at the JAC's temporary office at the premises of Youth Development Organisation, Khundrakpam this afternoon JAC president L Robichandra conveyed that Shashikumar, the lone bread winner of the Yambem family, was engaged to be married next month.
He used to transport fuel to towers of private mobile service provider Aircel.
Disclosing that Shashikumar was forcibly taken away at around 8.30 pm of January 14 by about 5-6 armed persons who claimed themselves to be KC-MC cadres to transport them till Sanjenbam, the JAC functionary further stated that news of Shashikumar's demise reached the locality the next morning at around 10.30.Detailing on the first meeting a JAC team had with the Chief Minister in-charge Th Debendra yesterday, he said a memorandum with demands for payment of Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia, a suitable Government job to a member of the bereaved family and initiation of judicial probe had been submitted.
Expressing grief over the untimely demise of his fellow local, Robichandra sought clarification from the KCP organisation regarding Shashikumar's innocence.
Chipping in, JAC secretary W Gopen urged UG groups against engendering life of civilians while contending that Shashikumar was constrained to accompany the armed cadres as he was threatened with guns.
Further expressing that security forces need to exercise maximum restraint and at the least try to arrest UGs alive rather than pull the trigger, Gopen opined that such an attitude would be able to ensure safety of civilians who are caught in the vicious cycle of insurgency that had been ensnaring the citizens.
With the CM in-charge and Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshore reportedly assuring all possible assistance to the JAC delegation, Shashikumar's body was claimed and the last rites conducted this evening.
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