DIMAPUR, JUNE 12 (MExN): Patience is running thin in the hills of Senapati. Six months have elapsed since Muheni Martin and Hriini Hubert, 10-year-olds, were first kidnapped. Their bodies, reduced to skeletons, were subsequently recovered from a gorge in March. Though reports of punishment being meted out on 5 suspects picked up by the NSCN (I-M) has been received, no official word has been sounded.
A senior leader in the rebel group said they were “still in the process of investigation” and that a decision from the cabinet of ‘kilonsers’ is awaited. He was hopeful that a conclusion in the case would be reached within a few days’ time. Three other suspects are still on the run while another suspect identified as Goilung is in Imphal’s Central Jail.
The NSCN (I-M) called A. Arow, father of Martin, and K. Daili, father of Hubert, to Hebron camp a few days back and explained to them the nature of punishment meted out to the five accused. Chairman of the fact-finding committee on the children, Solomon Veino, said the fathers of the victims were “satisfied” with the punishment meted out on the alleged perpetrators of the crime.
He however added, “The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim should work for the larger interests of the people and understand their sentiments.” He said people want a transparent progress report of the “investigations” at the earliest. A group of women seeking justice reportedly gathered at Veino’s office in Senapati today, seeking justice within an immediate period of time. The organization reportedly has video footage of the “investigations.”
The chairman of the committee contacted Camp Hebron today, seeking an appointment with NSCN (I-M) leaders. The failure to apprehend the three suspects who are absconding is believed to have slowed down “investigations,” causing the NSCN (I-M) reluctance in publicizing the developments.
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