Imphal, July 1 The killing of contractor Y. Krishnadas has evoked widespread condemnation in Manipur.

Denouncing the violent act, thousands of people including employees of the Kakching Municipal Council came out for a mass protest over the recent killing of Krishnadas.

Krishnadas was kidnapped on June 10 and a ransom of Rs. 2 crores was demanded for his release. After negotiation, Rs. 25 lakhs were given to the kidnappers. However, he was found murdered on June 12 at Lilong in Thoubal district. His killing has devastated his family members who are in a state of shock. K. Bimola Devi, Krishnadas's wife said, "Killing my husband in such a brutal manner is a heinous crime committed by some heartless people. They even took money away from us and on top of that they killed him as well. Once the culprits are arrested, they should be given severe punishment." Civil society in the state has appealed for justice and demanded that the culprits should be apprehended as quickly as possible.

"Such killings in Manipur, should be stopped immediately; the trauma that the family members of Krishnadas is going through will be faced by every one in the state. This should stop and this is what we are appealing for," said P. Somorendro Singh, Publicity, Joint Action Committee, Manipur.

Militant activities have severely affected life in the state and what people want is an end to mindless killings and restoration of peace and normalcy as soon as possible.

"It is really difficult for us to live. We are simple people earning for our everyday living. Killing innocent people is causing trouble for the people.

This is beyond our comprehension," said Ibemhal Devi, a protestor.

According to reports, T. Nando, a member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), alleged to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping and murder of Krishnadas. (ANI)