Five youths, including Nongthongbam Ajay, son of Manipur Minister N. Biren, were arrested on Monday on the charge of murdering a youth. The weapon used in the crime, M-20 with six live rounds, and a jeep were recovered from them.
Under mounting public pressure, Mr. Biren, who is Minister for Sports, Irrigation and Flood Control and also government spokesman, is reported to have volunteered to tender his resignation. On the murder, police sources said that on Sunday evening a quarrel arose between two groups of youth, who took out a joy ride during Holi festivities, as one of them, led by Nongthongbam Ajay, tried to overtake the other. At this, it was alleged, one of the youths pulled out a gun, licensed to Ajay, and shot dead Irom Rozer near the Tulihal airport.
After the incident, thousands of people from Wangkhei, from where the deceased hailed, took out a march to meet the Chief Minister .
