SIPHRO

Imphal, January 15, 2008: The state chief minister`s scheduled site visit to Thoubal dam, Khuga dam and Jiribam was cancelled today due to non-availability of a helicopter and owing to the same reason the sitting of the Justice Rajkhowa Commission of inquiry which is scheduled to commence from tomorrow at Parbung is likely to be suspended, an official source said today.

Chief minister O Ibobi Singh was scheduled to visit works site of the Thoubal dam and Khuga dam and then proceed to Jiribam by chopper today.

The non-arrival of the helicopter hired from the authorities of the Union defence ministry based at Shillong by the state home department, resulted in the chief minister O Ibobi Singh`s scheduled tour being suspended indefinitely, the source said.

In the original plan, mention may be made, the revenue minister, Th Debendra and state chief secretary were also scheduled to accompany the chief minister on the tour.

However, the chopper did not arrive apparently due to bad weather, a source disclosed. Another source said that apart from bad weather, the home department could not get official positive response to the sending of the chopper by the defence authorities.

On the other hand till late today, the state home department could not get positive response on sending of a chopper for dropping the chairman and members of the Justice Rajkhowa commission of Inquiry.

Justice SP Rajkhowa Commission of Inquiry, mention may be made, was constituted to enquire into the alleged rape and molestation of some Hmar girls by underground cadres at Parbung area of interior Churachandpur district.

Justice SP Rajkhowa, the chairman of the commission had arrived to re-commence the hearing of the commission which has not made progress as a case filed in public interest against the enquiry is pending at the Guwahati High Court.

Mention may also be made that responding to the strong demand of the people, the commission had decided to have its sitting at Parbung and for this the chairman has been requesting the state government to make necessary arrangements like provision of helicopter and other requirements for staying at Parbung.

Source: The Imphal Free Press