23/7 Bloody Khwairamband Killing Recalled
'CBI probe into killing of Rabina and Sanjit gone astray'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 23 2012: Remembering the bloody incident in which Thokchom Rabina and Chungkham Sanjit were killed by Manipur Police Commandos in broad day light in the heart of Imphal city on July 23, 2009, the 3rd Death Anniversary of Th Rabina and Ch Sanjit was observed at Lamshang Community Hall today.

People from all works of life took part in the memorial service and paid rich floral tributes as mark of respect to the departed souls.

Along with Sanjit, an alleged former rebel of proscribed PLA, Rabina, a pregnant woman were gunned down by Manipur Police commandos in an alleged fake encounter on this day of 2009 at BT Road in the heart of Imphal.

Six civilians were also injured in the shootout.

The incident prompted a widespread civil movement against "state terrorism" and intense public uprising for the removal of AFSPA was witnessed crippling normal life for months.

Regarding the July 23, 2009 incident, the case taken by the CBI is sill pending but Justice (retired) PG Agarwal, who conducted a judicial inquiry into the same incident, had already submitted its report to the state government.

Homage being paid to Rabina and Sanjit, victims of Khwairamband firing incident

Participants also expressed the need to strengthen the Apunba Lup, a conglomeration of various CSOs of the state, and to widen its horizon considering daily occurrence of crimes and other unwanted incidents in the state.

Furthermore, they expressed unhappiness over the slow progress of the CBI inquiry into the killing of Rabina and Sanjit and called upon all concerned to conduct the inquiry in the most accurate and trustworthy manner.

The memorial service was organized by the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Rabina and Sanjit.

Speaking on the occasion as one of the presidium members, Nabachandra, President of UCM observed that killings in fake encounters, forced disappearance and betrayal by the Manipur Police Commandos were publicly disclosed in the Khwairamband Bazar incident of July 23, 2009 in which an innocent pregnant woman Rabina and Sanjit, and alleged UG, were killed in cold blood.

After the incident was flashed in local and national papers, instances of fake encounters appear to have decreased.

However, the investigation carried out by the CBI in connection with the killing of Rabina and Sanjit seems to have gone astray.

The state government has also remained silent over the shifting trend.

So it is time we all come together and press the concerned to make the right move.

He further informed that the police personnel involved in the heinous crime, who were placed under suspension, have joined the service and are roaming around freely.

The state government is neglecting the public issue and letting the culprits' go scot free.

As such, to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future, we all need to come together and agitate with a common goal.

KT Rehman, President of AMUCO said that the incident of July 23 was a clear case of fake encounter carried out by the Manipur Police Commandos.

In stating that there is no other alternative but to kill them (UGs), the Chief Minister O Ibobi clearly indicates that the government looks at its people with hatred and malice and takes them (people) as nothing but 'insects' .

He asserted that it is improper on the part of the state government to revoke the suspension order of the police personnel involved in the crime while the CBI investigation into the incident is still underway.

Rehman also appealed to all the different CSOs, people of different communities to come together keeping aside all their differences and face the issues confronting the state together.

The function was also attended by Co-ordinators of Apunba Lup namely Phulindro Konsom, Ayekpam Langdon Leima and Sunil Karam; President of Poirei Leimarol L Memchoubi; President of AMKIL Ph Sakhi; President of Kanglamei Y Leirikleima and retired Superintendent of Youth Affairs and Sports Chirom Nabadweep as presidium members.