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IMPHAL, Sep 18 NNN : Tension ran high in Ukhrul district headquarters today as the lifeless body of prominent tribal leader Jonathan Kashung was found and brought to the town this morning.
\nUnited Naga Council (UNC), All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) and Naga Women Union (NWU) have strongly condemned the murder of Jonathan Kashung.
\nJonathan Kashung (49), one of the presidential candidates of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul tribe, was abducted by unidentified armed men from Phungreitang area in Ukhrul town on September 13 at around 9:40 am apparently in connection with the TNL presidential election. Since then he was traceless.His decomposed body was found late yesterday evening at Tolloi Junction, around 4 km north-west of Ukhrul district headquarters. Early this morning, relatives of the deceased along with the police retrieved the decomposed body of Jonathan and brought to Ukhrul town.
\nLate in the morning tension became volatile as the people gathered at Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) office.
\nThe TNL general election had to be postponed indefitely which was otherwise due today.Police sources said Jonathan Kashung was killed by suspected militants and did not mention the outfit\u2019s name involved in the incident.No group has claimed so far for the killing.
\nMeanwhile, a condolence programme of Jonathan Kashung was organised in Ukhrul town participated by
\nTangkhul Naga Long, TKS, TSL and public leaders including MLA Samuel Risom. His mortal remains will be taken to his native village Singkap in Phungyar subdivision tomorrow.
\nA case regarding the incident has been registered with the Ukhrul District Police Station and started investigation.
\nJonathan Kashung was a dynamic tribal leader. He was the president of Tangkgul Katamnao Saklong, the apex Tangkhul students\u2019 body. Jonathan was also one time the vice president of All Naga Students\u2019 Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and then actively involved in All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM). He was one of the founding members of Movement for Tribal Peoples Rights, Manipur (MTPRM).<\/p>\n\n