IT News
Imphal, March 6:
The Rural United Club Organisation (RUCO), a coalition of 42 clubs from Lamsang and Sekmai Assembly constituencies, has announced that the funeral of two youths, who went missing on November 5, 2023, will be conducted on March 23. The two were allegedly kidnapped while traveling to Awang Sekmai, and their bodies were recovered recently.
Addressing media persons at Akham Awang Leikai, RUCO President Ningthoujam Rasanta Kumar stated that the organization had urged the then Chief Minister to locate the missing youths soon after their disappearance. The victims, identified as Avinash Maibam (16), son of late Maibam Hemanta, and Ningthoujam Anthony (19), son of Ningthoujam of Akham Awang Leikai, went missing after heading towards Awang Sekmai on November 5.
RUCO accused Kuki armed groups of orchestrating the abduction and highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the hill districts since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023. The organization stated that Meitei civilians have faced repeated attacks from Kuki militants, and the security forces have failed to ensure adequate protection, leading to widespread lawlessness.
Reiterating its earlier demand, RUCO urged the government to provide compensation to the bereaved families in the form of government jobs. The organization had raised this demand with the former Chief Minister and continues to press for justice for the victims’ families.
