Killed for Beef, or Over a Cattle Dispute? Police Investigate Manipur Lynching

NEW DELHI/IMPHAL: A 55- year- old headmaster Hasmat Ali was lynched to death, reportedly by a group of people at Keirao Makting village in Imphal East district.

Several theories have been floating around since the murder took place. Initially it was alleged that Ali had been lynched following rumours that he had killed a cow. Then it was said that the death was over a dispute on cattle between him and a neighbour of the same community.

Currently, the murder is being investigated by a Joint Action Committee(JAC) under convener Md Rajauddin.

Speaking to The Citizen, the convener of the JAC, Md Rajauddin said, “As of now it appears to be a property dispute and a planned murder. However the matter is still under investigation. The main accused Mohammad Amu has surrendered before the police but the whole truth is yet to come out”.

It is being said that the area where the headmaster was killed is dominated by Manipuri Muslims, known as Pangals.

The agitated villagers are demanding immediate action against those responsible for killing Ali. The villagers have burnt the house of Mohammad Amu, who is allegedly a prime suspect. He allegedly led a mixed religious group who attacked and killed the headmaster.

The Citizen spoke to Md Hasmad Ali, son of the headmaster killed by the mob. Speaking fluent English he said, “currently, it is difficult to comprehend be difficult to comprehend the whole of it. We are in meetings with the police. I am aware of one thing that my father has been killed and it is a huge loss. I don’t want to pinpoint any reason as of now because the whole matter needs to be investigated. I want complete justice in this matter”.

Known for his soft spoken and gentle manner the headmaster of the government primary madrassa was apparently called by some people at night, sources confirmed. And later found murdered.

Police said that body of the deceased was found five km away from his house. Following the recovery of the body, a large number of residents of Keirao Makting village stormed the Irilbung police station demanding arrest of the culprits. Tension griped the whole area, police said.