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By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Oct 19 : The Khangabok Development Society (KDS) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur have strongly condemned the killing of Laishram Rakesh and the reported burning of a house, a pharmaceutical shop and a grocery shop at Khangabok Part-III last night, following an incident at a concert.
In a press note, KDS expressed grief over the loss of life and serious concern over the destruction of property.
It extended condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with those affected by the incident.
The Society demanded a fair, impartial and speedy investigation into the killing and destruction of property, urging the authorities concerned to identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
KDS also appealed to the family members, friends and well-wishers of the culprit to encourage the individual to cooperate with the authorities and surrender voluntarily, stating that such cooperation would help establish the facts and ensure justice through lawful means.
Emphasising the need to prevent further tension, the society urged individuals, organisations and community representatives not to play the community card or exploit the incident for communal or divisive purposes.
It stated that alleged criminal acts should not be used to stigmatise an entire community or create hostility between communities, adding that responsibility must be determined on the basis of evidence and due process rather than community identity.
The society further appealed to the public to maintain peace, exercise restraint and refrain from violence, retaliation and destruction of property, warning that collective blame and retaliatory actions would deepen divisions and undermine the pursuit of justice.
FOCS also demanded the arrest and punishment of all those involved in the Khangabok incident.
In a statement, FOCS condemned the killing and reported arson, urging the State Government to arrest the perpetrators.
It also appealed to the people not to give the incident a communal colour.
FOCS further appealed to the residents of Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham to exercise restraint and make collective efforts to ensure justice.