The State Government has agreed to pay an amount of Rs. 10 lakh to the next of kin of late M. Lucy, a Naga woman allegedly killed by Meiteis’ Arambai Tenggol, so as to fulfill the agreement as per Naga customary law, 5 lakh to Lucy’s daughter Marim Shangpui to meet her educational needs and another 5 lakh to meet the ritual requirements according to Maring customary law.
The agreement was achieved following a meeting of the United Naga Council (UNC) and Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity(COCOMI) with the Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh and few other MLAs and Ministers on July 18 evening.
Following the agreement, the United Naga Council agreed to suspend all forms of agitations and extend cooperation to the police to facilitate early completion of investigation. The COCOMI, by owning up moral responsibility, expressed its regret over the brutal killing of M. Lucy and tendered sincere apology before the Naga delegates led by the UNC.
As per the memorandum arrived at during the meeting, it was agreed to ensure that the culprits shall be taken into custody and given befitting punishment in accordance with law.
The State Government and its agencies will ensure that the investigation is taken up with utmost seriousness and swiftness. It was also agreed that the state government will provide employment to Marim Shangpui, daughter of Marim Lucy, in a government post commensurate with her educational qualification when she becomes eligible in age for such employment. Further it was agreed that COCOMI shall initiate efforts to ensure that no such untoward incident/harassment is given to any community in future. Minister of Transport Khashim Vashum, MLA of Nungba assembly constituency and Chairman of Hill Area Committee, Dinganglung Gangmei and MLA of Chandel assembly constituency S.S. Olish were also present in the meeting.
During the meeting the the representatives of UNC expressed their anguish at the brutal killing of Mrs. M. Lucy (Maring Naga), originally of Narum Village, on 15th July, 2023 at Sawombung and who was residing at Beaulalram, Pallel, Tengnoupal District and also at Langol Game Village Zone III, Quarter No. A-99. The representatives placed their grievances before the Chief Minister. The chief minister condemned the inhumane crime and shared his grief and sympathy with the family members of late M. Lucy and with the representatives of UNC and assured that justice will not only be done, but also be seen to be done.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128