Imphal, April 6, 2006: Justice SP Rajkhowa Commission of Inquiry constituted to enquire into the alleged rape and molestation of some Hmar girls by cadres of some underground outfits in Parbung sub-division in Churchandpur is scheduled to camp at Parbung for a week to conduct public and victims hearing.
Talking to IFP in his office chamber at Hotel Imphal today, Justice Rajkhowa (retired) said that he had today apprised the state government to make necessary arrangement like provision of a helicopter and other requirements for staying at Parbung.
The commission is scheduled to proceed there on April 18 and stay for a week to conduct hearing which would include taking statements of the victims and other related witness, said the chairman.
On the question of whether the state government agreed to airlift him along with his staff there, Rajkhowa said, “We hope the state government will agreed to provide for a helicopter”. He also added that there will be no problem for landing the helicopter at Parbung as army authorities had constructed a helipad there.
He also observed that during his recent visit to Parbung, the CM, O Ibobi Singh had also expressed his desire for the commission to go there and take statements of the victims and local witnesses.
Rajkhowa gave his health condition and the state of road link between Churachandpur and Parbung as the reason behind the commission`s choice of flying by a helicopter
Justice Rajkhowa revealed that he had considered the possibility of going by road, but decided against it after hearing about the road condition from Churachandpur to Parbung from some Hmar women representatives who called on him yesterday. Reaching Parbung by road from Churchandpur will take atleast two days.
The commision also took into account the difficulties the alleged victims would have faced while coming to Imphal, in taking its decision to proceed to Parbung, said the retired judge.
Moreover, the commission according to the chairman, is not making the desired progress functioning out of its office at Imphal and there is every possibility that it may not be able to complete its work within the time limit.
He wanted to complete his report as soon as possible without extending the time period given to him by the state government when he was appointed as chairman of the commission, he said.
It may be mentioned that the state government constituted the commission to inquire into the alleged rape and molestation of some Hmar girls by cadres of some underground groups in Parbung sub-division. Retired Justice Rajkhowa was appointed as chairman of the commission. Incidentally, he is also the chairman of the commission inquiring into the detention and alleged torture of Maibam Naobi by Thoubal police commandos in their custody.
As per the order of the state government issued on March 17 the commission is to submit its report to the state government as soon as possible but not later than two months from the date of issue of the notification.
Source: The Imphal Free Press