Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 24:
While the soul of the dead must be having eternal and peaceful rest, coffins used in their transportations and burial are haunting the State police department as it is yet to clear a debt of Rs 6,600 expended to procure the coffins.
The matter came to light when the manager of Kombirei Furniture House, Lamphel - Tombi Meitei - filed a complaint petition with the Manipur Human Rights Commission to direct the DGP for payment of the due amount.
The coffins and accessories were purchased from the dealer to meet the emergency demands as an aftermath of the June 18, 2001 firing, Malom Massacre of November 2, 2000 and the Litan ambush last year.
After perusing the complaint, the rights body headed by Yambem Laba issued notice to the State DGP for clearing the due amount of Rs 6600 to the complainant as well as submit action taken report within 30 days.
The petitioner contended that Nambol police station procured eight coffins worth Rs 3200 on November 3, 2000 without any payments made.
Disclosing further Tombi said that fifteen coffins with China silk clothing to drape the coffins of the June 18 firing were purchased by the State police.
On the third instance, the complainant continued that three more coffins were bought by the officer in charge of Ukhrul police station on December last sans any payment.