IMPHAL, December 29: The State cabinet has resolved to hand over the case regarding the recovery of human skulls and bones from Tombisana High School complex, to Central Bureau of Investigation during a meeting today.
The cabinet meeting with the State Chief Minister in the chair started from 4pm and concluded at 6pm.
In this regards, the Home department of Manipur has sent an official intimation to the secretary of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, North Block requesting the issuance of necessary notification for entrusting the investigation (UD case No.9/city-PS/2014 U/S 174 Cr.P.C) to the central agency.
Further the cabinet meeting reportedly resolved to purchase land at Rs 3 lakhs per Sangam for the construction of the controversial National Sports University at Yaithibi Loukon.
It has been informed that the purchasing will be done by a committee `Direct Purchase Committee on Negotiation`.
The cabinet has also decided to provide suitable government jobs to altogether 38 sports players of the State who had won medals during the 5th, 31st, 32nd and 33rd National Games.
Earlier, a statement issued by the Chief Minister`™s secretariat had said that the government has decided to hand over the case of the recovery of eight human skulls and skeletons from a construction site inside the Tombisana High School compound to any central investigation agency without specifying the agency.
It had said that the decision was taken considering the sensitivity, complexity and technical issues involved in the investigation.
It further said that the State police has also registered a UD case and that investigation was already on regarding the case.
It may be recalled that the human skulls and skeletons were recovered on December 25 and 26 during excavation work carried out for construction of the fourth Ima Keithel.
The recovery invited undivided attention from different sections of the society including rights activities, political parties and civil bodies who demanded a thorough probe into the case as the site was once used by the security forces.
Meanwhile, replying to media queries on the issue during an inspection of the site today, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said a mortuary of the erstwhile Imphal District Hospital used to stand at the site from where the skulls and skeletons were recovered.
In ancient times when Manipur was ruled by kings, the place was also inhabited by the Rongmei community who bury their dead inside their family courtyard, he continued.
Nevertheless, the deputy Chief Minister held that the mystery behind the recovery of the human skeleton could be solved only after proper examination by the forensic science.
He was accompanied by DGP Manipur, Shahid Ahmed and officials of the City Police during the inspection.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/state-cabinet-resolves-to-hand-over-skulls-recovery-case-to-cbi/