KHONSA, 28 Apr: Hundreds took part in a candlelight procession here in Tirap district on Thursday to protest the murder of Tejat Akhang, of New Laptang village.
Late Tejat Akhang (31), who used to work as a private vehicle driver, went missing on 21 April at around 9 am. On 24 April, his decomposed body was found in a jungle in Hukanjuri.
A relative of late Akhang, one Wintung Bosai, informed this daily that the suspected murderer of late Akhang is one Om Prakash, who was working as a JCB operator in Hukanjuri. He is reportedly absconding.
“Akhang was last seen walking together with the suspected murderer on 21 April, after which he did not return for two days. On 23 April, people went to search for Akhang, but could not find him. However, the next day, on 24 April, a search party comprising the Khonsa DSP, the Borduria police station OC and police personnel from the Deomali police station found Akhang’s body in a decomposed state in a jungle in Hukanjuri,” added Bosai.
The police have registered a case in this connection.
After the candlelight march, Laptang Youth Welfare Association (LYWA) president Teram Ramwa submitted a memorandum to the CM, the DCM, the home minister, the Tirap district administration and the police department.
In the memorandum, the LYWA urged the district administration to ensure strict ILP checking at various points of entry to the state to avoid similar untoward incidents in the future.
It strongly called for “immediate arrest of the culprit and awarding of stringent punishment under appropriate sections of the law.” It also demanded that the case be tried by a fast-track court to ensure speedy delivery of justice to the bereaved family.
Among others, Kapu ZPM Wiram Matey, Nocte Women Association chairperson Chasuam Wangchadong, public leaders of Borduria and Laptang, and Khonsa Bazaar Welfare Committee members, besides members of the All Tirap District Students’ Union, the All Nocte Students’ Union and the All Tutsa Students’ Union participated in the candlelight march.
