July 23 case of 2009 NEFIS demands suspension of Jhalajit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 19 2016 : The North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has strongly condemned the collusion of the State Government and the Manipur Police in denying Sanjit a fair trial.

Those accused of killing Sanjit Meitei in 2009, have not been arrested till now despite the admission by Constable Herojit Singh that SP Jhalajit had ordered the Manipur Police Commandos to "finish off" Sanjit, said a press release issued by NEFIS.

It demanded immediate suspension of SP Jhalajit and other accused in addition to registration of a case against them.

Manipur Police Commandos had killed Sanjit and Rabina on the orders of the then Additional SP, Imphal West, Dr Akoijam Jhalajit, who is now SP of the same district to "finish him off".

This hard fact amply shows the way in which Manipur Police Commandos have been allowed to function by the Manipur Government and have consequently become adept at 'finishing off' people in extra-judicial killings and fake encounters.

This is a clear case of State-sponsored fake encounter, denying people their basic right to be tried through a due legal process.

NEFIS had also organized All India Candle Light Vigil on February 7 to gather support across the country for demanding justice for Sanjit and Rabina.

As part of All India Protest, candle light vigils were organized at Imphal, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Assam, as well as in other parts of the country.

NEFIS also demanded that Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi and the State Government should be held responsible for these extra-judicial killings and probe should be ordered against them.

They further demanded appropriate compensation for the victim's family.

The demands also include an end to the institutionalisation and legalisation of extra-judicial killings and torture, provided by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 .

The Government should tender an immediate apology not only to the victim's family, but to the people of Manipur for brutally violating their democratic rights, it demanded.

NEFIS further pledged to continue its struggle and build a huge movement against the Manipur Government, till such extra-judicial killings and fake encounters stop and the culprits are brought to justice.

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