Imphal, January 17, 2008: After a protracted silence, the Rajkhowa Commission probing the alleged rape of 21 Hmar women at Lungthulien and Parbung moved to Parbung today to conduct cross examination of the victims. Justice (Retired) SP Rajkhowa, Commission’s counsel Advocate P Ibomcha and, State Deputy Secretary (Law) Kaminikumar, one personal security officer to the Judge and an interpreter flew from Imphal to Parbung today in a chopper to conduct the cross examination of the victims, according to an official source.
Soon after their arrival, the cross examination was conducted and it will continue till January 20 at Parbung, the source further said.
Hmar civil societies and other NGOs erupted in anger following allegations that cadres of the two underground groups allegedly raped 21 Hmar women in single a day at Lungthulien and Parbung in January 2006. The cross examination has been started even as two Imphal based rights groups, namely Human Rights Alert (HRA) and Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) petitioned before the Gauhati High Court seeking a direction to conduct such cross examination either at Churachandpur district headquarters, Silchar or at Imphal.
The case is still pending before the High Court, sources said, adding that the counsels of the two right groups are not in the position to cross examine the alleged rape victims owning to various reasons.
Source: The Sangai Express
See also:
- Parbung report (March 19th, 2008)
- Rajkhowa penal fix hearing dates (March 4th, 2008)
- Commission report on Tipaimukh rape extended again (February 16th, 2008)
- Dates set for Parbung hearing (February 3rd, 2008)
- Parbung enquiry may be delayed (January 16th, 2008)