Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30:
Even though the proscribed RPF had rejected the police claim of the outfit's involvement in the recent slaying of three non-Manipuris at Khurai area the youth arrested in connection with the case today endorsed the police version.
Produced before newspersons today by Imphal East district police, the arrested youth - Lairenlakpam Kumar alias Eleicha of Khurai Nandeibam Leikai -categorically refuted the RPF's contention that he has been expelled from the organisation.
Kumar disclosed that he was an activist of the outfit from 1996 till 1998 before being arrested in the latter part of 1998.After release on bail and marriage, the RPF in November this year sent some party activists informing him to carry out party activities, Kumar stated while adding that on resuming RPF duties he mobilised youth women organisations members of Kiyamgei, Khongman and Bashikhong areas to check anti-social elements and pursue anti-intoxicant campaigns.
Prior to the non-Manipuri killing incident one Ranjan - said to be working under the command of RPF's Div No IV - handed over a revolver to him on November 7, Kumar continued.
Two days later, RPF cadres - Joy and Anand - took away the arms only to return the same in late hours of the day informing Kumar to stay vigil as they (Joy-Anand) had shot dead three non-Manipuris, said Kumar.
The two RPF cadres, according to Kumar, cited defiance of the three victims to desist from selling tobacco items (zarda) banned by the underground organisation.
He also informed of the Imphal East police recovering the arm used in killing the three grocery cum pan shop runners on November 28.