Manipur Govt writes to MHA requesting NIA probe in Athuan Abonmai's murder

IMPHAL: The Manipur government has requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to hand over the investigation into the killing of a former tribal council head Athuan Abonmai to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Athuan Abonmai who was also the president of the Zeliangrong Baudi Assam, Manipur, Nagaland (AMN) was the resident of Machenglung lamlaba district

The incident follows public outrage over the kidnapping and subsequent death of Athuan Abonmai.

On Saturday, a joint action committee (JAC) formed in connection with the killing imposed the state a 48-hour deadline to arrest the perpetrators, failing which it threatened to begin a series of protests.

H Gyan Prakash, the state home department's special secretary, advised the MHA in an official letter that the subject was "serious" and needed to be investigated by the NIA.

ALSO READ: Illegal Teacher Appointment Letter Scam Busted In BTR

Prakash also stated that due to the involvement of suspected NSCN(IM) cadre the incident could have inter-state consequences.

"It is felt that the case is a fit case for the investigation by the NIA," the letter added.

After being kidnapped from the district headquarters on September 22, 2021, around 11.30 am, he was discovered dead in Pallong village under Tamei Police Station in Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district.

The kidnapping took place amid heightened security at the district headquarters in anticipation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's visit.

Follow us on Facebook