Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, June 13:
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul community, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Qr. A.S. Thotshang and demanded the harshest punishment for all individuals involved. TNL also called for a swift, transparent, and conclusive investigation.
Qr. A.S. Thotshang, aged 45, a respected teacher at T. Shimin Government LP School in Tashar village and a resident of Hamleikhong A-Block, was found dead on May 22 in the room of one Abiz Uddin, alias Chottu, a mechanic at Mona Workshop in Awungtang Hungpung. The body was discovered covered in a blanket and lying in a pool of blood, with the room locked from the outside. Thotshang had been missing since May 20, the opening day of the Shirui Lily Festival.
According to TNL President Qr. Sword Vashum, the accused, Abiz Uddin, has confessed to slitting Thotshang’s throat. Investigations have also implicated Mona, the owner of Mona Workshop, as the alleged mastermind behind the crime. Vashum stated that Mona’s previous criminal records resurfaced during the investigation and suggested the possibility of an organised crime network being involved in the murder.
“We demand the strictest punishment and oppose any bail for the accused. Justice must not be delayed,” said Vashum during a press briefing. He urged the police to expedite the investigation and identify any additional accomplices. TNL pledged its full cooperation in the legal process to ensure justice for the victim.
Calling the murder “a heinous act by non-locals,” Vashum expressed serious concern over the growing influx of unverified migrants into Ukhrul under the pretext of business and livelihood. “They come to earn but end up disrespecting our community,” he remarked.
TNL has announced a verification drive for non-locals starting June 15 and reaffirmed its ban on the accused and their families from residing in the district. The organisation also urged the state government to provide ex-gratia compensation and a government job to the victim’s family, noting that Thotshang was the sole breadwinner.