Day: January 9, 2018

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 9

Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) president Takhellembam Renu appreciated the stance of head constable Thounaojam Herojit to divulge insider information which point to systematic institutionalization of fake encounters in the state.

Addressing a press conference at EEVFAM office at Kwaikeithel today, the activist pointed out that the hearing held by the Supreme Court yesterday is a positive direction in bringing justice to the families of the fake encounter victims. She, however, lamented that the CBI is not taking up the investigation process in its entirety.

Renu said that only a fraction of the 92 cases inquired by the CBI special investigation team are being investigated. “First investigation reports have been registered in only 11 cases. This is not exactly what we had expected. The investigation seems lethargic,” she lamented.

She further stated that the families of the victims of fake encounter killings are awaiting the verdict of the Supreme Court in the hope that justice will be delivered.

She said that the status report of the other remaining cases will be given on Jan 15 and further that the CBI director has been directed to make a personal appearance the next day. “We hope that some positive developments will come up,” she said.

Pointing to Herojit and his affidavit submitted, Renu contended that the stance of the head constable is much appreciated and he may not be the only one involved in such fake encounter killings. We know that he will also be punished but he acted under orders given by his superiors. We want the other higher authorities to also be held accountable. We still have no justice yet,” Renu asserted.

Basanta Wareppa, a human lights lawyer assisting the EEVFAM petitioner said that the case taken up by the Supreme Court in regard to accepting Herojit’s affidavit is a positive sign. “We have given footages to the court which supports Herojit’s claim in regard to the BT fake encounter incident. His affidavit stating that he maintained dairies of fake encounters brings another new light to the case. We have also submitted video-graphic evidence to the court too,” Basanta said.

EEVFAM members maintained in the conference that they expect justice to be done by the Supreme Court and appeals to the public to co-operate with the proceedings of the case in the future.  

Rich tributes paid to Maharaj Gambhir Singh on death anniversary

IMPHAL | Jan 9 (DIPR)

Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today promised to develop the Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, located at Langthabal as a historical site. He made the promise during the 184th death anniversary observance of Maharaja Gambhir Singh held at the Samadhi.

The observance was organised by state archaeology, department of art and culture.

Speaking as chief guest, Biren Singh said a museum would also be developed inside the premises of the Samadhi to enlighten the youths and present generation about the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers during the Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826) to liberate Manipur.

He asked the concerned minister and officials of the art and culture department to discuss with a reputed international firm or consultant for the development and beautification of the place.

He also urged the department to install the statues of Nara Singh and Herachandra as well inside the Samadi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh.

The chief minister directed the department to consult historians and subject experts and to prepare a blue print and detailed project report for the development of the Samadhi.

“The prepared project report should be submitted to the planning department. If the project needs more money, then the government would approach NEC or NLCPR,” added the chief minister.

Biren said we should feel proud about the supreme sacrifices and valour made by Maharaja Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Herachandra for the liberation of Manipur from the clutches of the Burmese following the Seven Years Devastation.

He mentioned that history is a fact which can be neither manipulated nor distorted by us. “History taught us a lesson that disunity among ourselves was the main reason for the invasion by the foreign powers. If we want a united Manipur then we should leave aside the greed and selfish desires,” he added.

The chief minister said politicians would never succeed if they do not possess the nationalistic characteristics. If they possess such quality then there would be visible changes in the state, he added.

He further maintained that they should be able to make sacrifice and commitment for the welfare, development and prosperity of the state. Those who don’t have patriotic feeling and love for the country wouldn’t do anything good for the people and society at large, he added.

He appealed to the people of the state to leave aside the idea of self-interest but rather think for inclusive growth and development. He urged them to do some productive work together to bring some positive changes in the state rather wasting precious time.

The chief minister led others in paying floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh. A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and others.

Minister for art and culture L. Jayantakumar Singh in his presidential speech said the role of the government is to protect the territorial integrity and to uphold the sovereignty of the state. It is the responsibility of the government to work for the welfare of the people of the state.

The government needs love, support and participation of the people to bring inclusive development in the state. Every issue can be resolved through dialogues, he added.

Minister for CAF and PD Karam Shyam, minister for education Th. Radheshyam, chairman MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam, MLAs S. Subhaschandra, P. Brojen, S. Bira Singh, Y. Surchandra, L. Susindro Meitei, top civil and police officials and others attended the function.

IMPHAL | Jan 9

The Kangleipak Student’s Association (KSA) has vehemently condemned Bishnupur police’s alleged atrocity on January 8, in which three college students were reportedly arrested, beaten and harassed at the police station, the family members threatened and money taken from the students.    

A release said two students studying at Imphal College and one studying at Thambal Marik College had come for a haircut at Bishnupur Bazar around 12. 30 when they were picked up by a team of Bishnupur police. They were beaten and threatened by allegedly by making several false charges by the police, it said. The senior members of the family were also threatened and the students were later released after taking money from them, the release alleged.

It is appealed to the CM to draw his attention to the issue and suspend the police officials namely SDPO, Binoy and SI Devjit who are allegedly involved in violating the students who are workers of KSA Bishnupur District Council, it said. It is most unfortunate that the workers of the organisation which is working hard for the betterment of students, were threatened and arrested under false charges, the release maintained. Even if Anti Corruption cells are opened, Bishnupur police have arrested students under false charges and released later after allegedly extorting money out of them. Therefore, the chief minister is appealed to suspend the mentioned officials and take appropriate actions against them, it added.