The Manipur police have so far arrested 16 suspects for the brutal murder of schoolgirl Lungnila Elizabeth, the third daughter of General Administration Minister Francis Ngajokpa. However, they have zeored down on one and after interrogation police have verified that the accused has contacts with a militant outfit. There is a strong and reasonable belief that the accused is the mastermind behind the murder despite being physically handicapped. The police submitted before court that the accused must be kept behind bars for a longer time for further interrogation.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that he has the information about the arrest of the mastermind, but declined to say further to ensure smooth progress of the investigation. The Chief Minister had earlier told media that the Special Investigation Team of the State police which was constituted to probe the kidnapping and murder of Elizabeth had arrested one of the four main accused in the case. NSCN (K) for death penalty to Lungnila’s killer Both underground and social organisations and student bodies continued their protest against gruesome murder of Lungnila Elizabeth and flayed the Manipur Government for failing to protect the life of an innocent child, whose killers still remain at large. Taking serious note of the killing, a caller who identified himself as the publicity in-charge of NSCN (K) of the Zeliangrong region said the murder has compromised the spirit of revolution as the struggle is aimed at providing a better future for the youth.

Therefore killing a class III girl is against the revolutionary movement for which the organisation will award death penalties to all persons involved in the crime after confirmation. The NSCN (K) also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) warned that it will launch massive protest if state government fails to produce main accused in the Lungnila Elizabeth murder case within November 25. Castigating the SPF Government for failing to trace the killers even after two weeks of the murder, MSF argued why action has not been taken against some police personnel as Lungnila was kidnapped from Imphal area despite tight security. Referring to delay in providing justice, MSF said involvement of relatives of some Ministers or higher officials couldn’t be ruled out as the delay in arresting the culprits clearly indicates. It demanded that the details of the investigation be made public and CBI inquiry given the credibility and sincerity of State authorities. Meanwhile, a condolence meeting to mourn the demise of eight-year-old Lungnila Elizabeth was held at the Congress Bhavan organised by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.

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