Govt asks MHRC to abort July 23 probe

Imphal, October 8 : Along with directing the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to wind up its investigation into the July 23 Khwairamband Bazar incident for the second time, the State Government has also asked the Commission to withdraw the summons served on the Imphal West SSP and Commando OC.

According to a reliable source, in a letter dated September 29, but received by the Commission only yesterday, Under Secretary of Home Department, Government of Manipur Priyadarshini Laishram directed the Commission, for the second time, to wrap up its investigation since a State-sponsored Judicial Inquiry is to be conducted.

The Commission had received similar instruction from the State Government last month as well.

The source further disclosed that in the same letter, the Under Secretary has also asked the Commission to withdraw its summons issued on September 29 on Imphal West SP and Commandos OC to appear before the Commission to record their statements on the BT Road incident that left two people killed, and five others injured in alleged police firing.

Regardless of the instructions, the Commission has taken serious note over the failure of Imphal West SP and Commando OC to appear before the Commission today for recording their statements.

Accordingly, the Commission has issued an arrest warrant of the two police officers.

Addressed to the DGP, the warrant has asked that the two absconding police officers be arrested and producing before MHRC by October 9 definitely, the source disclosed.

The Commission is likely to discuss the directives of the Government to wrap up its investigation into the July 23 incident.

However, it is very likely that the Commission would not accept the proposal of the Government, the source added.

Meanwhile, public protest over the July 23 incident continued with demonstrations in different parts in pursuance of the demand for punishment of the police commandos involved in the incident and resignation of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on moral ground.

At Tera Lukram Leirak, Poirei Iata and Tera Lukram Leirak Apunba Nupi Lup joined hands in staging a protest demonstration.

Placards inscribed with slogans like 'Remove all black laws from Manipur ', 'Give befitting punishment to the police commandos involved in the BT Road incident', 'Take action against the police officers who are protecting the guilty police Cdos', 'Step down CM Ibobi on moral ground ', etc were seen.