Imphal, April 11, 2006: With the Parbung police station registering five more cases on the alleged mass rape of Hmar women at Lungthulien on January 16 this year, the number of FIRs lodged has gone up to 15. The Parbung PS had earlier registered 10 FIR cases on the matter and recently five more cases were registered bringing the number of cases filed to 15, said official sources.
The police have also reportedly recorded the statements of some of the alleged rape victims.
The story of mass rape surfaced when some NGOs accused the UNLF and KCP cadres of mass raping Hmar women at Lungthulien on January 16 this year.
A number of villagers were also assaulted by the armed cadres, it was alleged.
However the two outfits, UNLF and KCP had categorically rejected the allegations raised against its cadres with the former even suggesting that independent bodies including the International Red Cross Society may probe the matter to bring out the truth.
Meanwhile the district administration of Churachandpur has worked out all the plans to enable the Rajkhowa Inquiry Commission to conduct its sitting at Parbung where the victims and witnesses may give their testimonials.
The sittings are scheduled to be held from April 18 to 26. Justice (Retd) Rajkhowa who is the Chairman of the Commission is currently out of station and he is scheduled to arrive at Imphal on April 17. The Army stationed at Parbung will provide the necessary security cover to the Commission, sources from Churachandpur district administration said.
Though the panel team is scheduled to stay at Parbung from April 18 to 26, the actual recording of the testimonials of the alleged victims and witnesses will be held at Lungthulien village, said sources.
Armed police personnel from Churachandpur district headquarters will also be deployed at Lungthulien during the course of the sitting.
The Commission agreed to hold its sitting at Lungthulien following requests from some NGOs.
Source: The Sangai Express