Imphal, July 3: Thoubal commandos has reportedly picked up a suspect in connection with the killing of president of Haokip Students’ Organisation Letkholal Haokip alias Palal at his residence at National Games Village on June 23.
Sources said a major breakthrough in the investigation of the killing was achieved today when the suspect was arrested from the general area of Komlathabi which falls under Chandel district. Though there are reports of other arrest being made as well the information including that of the one in Komlathabi could not be officially confirmed as yet.
Letkholal was shot five times by the assailants from close range in the evening of June 23 and died on the spot. The killers reportedly escaped in a grey Maruti car.
Many students’ organizations including the Kuki Sporting Organisation straight away condemned the killing asserting that repeated attempts on the lives of leaders of civil organizations cannot be tolerated. Beginning the next day candle light vigils and sit-in-protest were staged in different parts of the state condemning the killing.
The family has been refusing to claim the body of the student leader unless the perpetrators are booked. KSO initially served a 48-hour deadline on June 25 to the state administration for their arrest but went on to extend it by four more days after finding the investigation of the police going ahead satisfactory.