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Arrest warrants against two for refusing to depose

Iboyaima Laithangbam

IMPHAL: Justice (Retd) G.P. Agarwal, heading the Judicial Inquiry Commission looking into the July 23 “fake encounter” in Imphal, has issued non-bailable warrants of arrest against two injured persons — Pangabam Lukhoi and a woman Ningthoujam Kishorni — who have refused to depose before the panel.

The police have been instructed to produce them on November 11.

At the behest of the Apunba Lup, apex body of civil organisations in Manipur, the witnesses declined to appear before the commission on the ground that 12 photographs established the “fake encounter,” and that there was nothing more to be probed.

Another woman Wangkheirakpam Gitarani and a tribal Mangal Golmei were unable to appear before the commission as they sustained serious wounds.

The police have submitted affidavits on the July 23 incident.

The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has also taken up a case. But police officers refused to appear before it, suggesting that since a judicial inquiry was already under way, the case should be wound up.

When the MHRC threatened to issue arrest warrants, the Manipur government went to the High Court, which issued an injunction on its proceedings.

The Apunba Lup, which is spearheading the agitation, is demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and punishment to police commandos.

Classes banned

Three student bodies have also banned classes from September 9 in the valley districts. The five hill districts are not however affected.

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