Two innocent persons killed

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL, May 13: Two innocent labourers who had gone to a tribal village were tortured to death by cadres of the Kuki tiol Front on Tuesday night. A 12-year-old boy who was also tortured on the same charge, however, survived and he is recuperating in the hospital. People blocked the NH 37 from Wednesday morning in protest. They said that all three of them were innocent persons who had gone to earn some money to support the families. School authorities and other social activists have also denied the charge. Some teachers and religious leaders said that it was discouraging that attempts are made to tear to shreds the social fabric in this manner. “Let this be the last instance of torture and killing of innocent persons,” they said. The two labourers - Diyand Moirangthem and Premand Maibam - died during excruciating interrogation. The boy, Bishal Konthoujam, however survived. In follow-up actions, police arrested 8 KNF cadres. Since they are being interrogated it is not known as yet whether they were involved in the crimes. Police are taking care to ensure that there is no commul fallout of the incidents.