IMPHAL/UKHRUL, OCTOBER 19: Leaders of the Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities have made appeal against giving a communal colour to the killing of Laishram Rakesh and the alleged burning of houses, a pharmaceutical shop and grocery shop at Khangabok Part-III, Cherapur, on Sunday night, while demanding justice for the deceased.
A sit-in protest was also held at the gate of the Thoubal Superintendent of Police (SP) office, demanding justice for Rakesh. The protesters warned of further agitation if the government failed to respond to their demands.
The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute at a concert held in the area on October 18.
Amid concerns over a possible escalation of tension, community representatives stressed that the killing and destruction of property must be addressed through a fair investigation and legal action against those responsible, rather than allowing the incident to fuel hostility between the two communities.
They urged the public to refrain from retaliatory violence and avoid targeting innocent people on the basis of their community identity.
The representatives also appealed to the family members, friends and well-wishers of the alleged accused to encourage the individual to surrender voluntarily and cooperate with the authorities.
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Calling for justice for Rakesh, they maintained that those involved in the killing and the burning of properties must be held accountable under the law.
They further urged the authorities to ensure a speedy and impartial investigation and take appropriate action against those responsible.
The representatives stressed that justice for the deceased must not become a cause for communal retaliation, appealing to both communities to maintain peace and prevent further tension while allowing the legal process to take its course.