SIPHRO

Imphal, June 22, 2006: Though the Rajkhowa panel probing into the alleged mass rape of Hmar women at Lungthulien has already accepted the petitions praying for cross examining the supposed victims, the venue has not yet be able to finalise owning difference in the demands of the contesting parties.

The panel headed by Justice SP Rajkhowa, retired Judge of Calcutta High Court examined the alleged rape victims and other witnesses at Lungthulien and Parbung under Tipaimukh sub-division in April this year.

Having allowed the petitions filed by Human Rights Alert and MAFYF to recall the alleged victims and other witnesses, translation process of the matter recorded in Hmar dialect in April siting into English has been completed so that the lawyers appearing on behalf of the two bodies could go through for conducting the cross examination, a highly placed source in the Commission informed The Sangai Express.

Although the venue for the cross examination is yet to be decided due to certain contrasting demands of the contesting parties, the probe panel has fixed July 8 for examining one person, namely Ramthathanglian at Churachandpur district headquarters, the source disclosed.

On June 15 counsels on behalf of HRA and MAFYF, advocates Kh Chonjohn, S Lakhikanta and M Rakesh among others, held an informal discussion with the Commission chairman in connection with fixing the cross examination venue, the source informed.

During the discussion, the Commissioner was of the opinion to apprise the State Government for requisitioning a helicopter to transport the counsels of the parties, the source added, While the Hmar NGOs desire to hold the cross examination either at Imphal or Lungthulien, HRA and MAFYF want to proceed the same at Imphal and if not at Churachandpur headquarters, according to the source.

Meanwhile, the counsels for HRA and MAFYF are all prepare to join the cross-examination of Ramthathanglian of Seilmat at Churachandpur district headquarters. Justice Rajkhowa, who is out of station would return back to Imphal on July 1 to resume probing of the case.

Mention may be made that the prayer of HRA that the non-tribal under ground cadres who have been accused of the rape be examined through International Committee of the Red Cross was rejected by the probe penal. Another prayer of HRA to issue summons to SP CCpur, OC Parbung and SDPO Tipaimukh to examine them as Commission’s witnesses on the case was, however, allowed.

Source: The Imphal Free Press