Killing of Major Shaiza and 4 others in 1998
Prosecution sanction not given yet: EEVFAM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2021: As a part of the 23rd death anniversary of Major Shimreingam Shaiza, family members and members of Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM) released the August 29, 1998 Kwakeithel Akham Leikai firing incident report of retired Judge C Upendra at the residence of late Major Shimreingam Shaiza at Mantripukhri, today.

During the function, family members, EEVFAM and other well wishers paid floral tributes to the portrait of late Major Shimreingam Shaiza.

The function was attended by Pemla Shaiza, wife of late Major Shimreingam Shaiza, Advocate Chongtham Ngongo, ex Pastor Samson Pun and EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam as presidium members.

Briefing media persons, Renu Takhellambam stated that a team of Manipur Police commando led by then Sub Inspector Th Krishnatombi allegedly killed five innocent persons-Major Shimreingam Shaiza of Ukhrul, Rukhoshele of Nagaland, Tusovehu Chakesang of Nagaland, Kikheto Sema of Nagaland and Hidam Budha of Kwakeithel in an alleged fake encounter in broad daylight on August 29, 1998 .

To establish the truth of the incident, the then Government constituted a Judicial Commission presided by late Ch Upendra, then Judge of District and Session, she said and added that the Commission submitted its report to the Government on January 15, 1999, but the same was never placed before the Cabinet or the State Assembly.

She said that attempts to obtain a copy of the inquiry report through Right to Information were rejected.

Saying that EEVFAM filed a petition before the Supreme Court on the alleged fake encounters which took place in the State, she added that the apex Court, had on July 14, 2017, directed the CBI to investigate the incident of August 29, 1998 and 38 others.

Unfortunately, the State Government is yet to grant the required prosecution sanction against Th Krishnatombi and five others allegedly involved in the case, she added.

She further submitted that EEVFAM and HRA are deeply concerned over the State Government not granting even the prosecution sanction against the accused, despite its tall promises of prosecuting all the fake encounter cases in the BJP election manifesto of 2017 .

Speaking to media persons, Advocate Chongtham Ngongo said that out of around 10 inquiries which he was a part of as a human rights activist, the report of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai is the only one which has come out in the public domain.

Till now, only 4 inquiry committee reports have come out in public domain including 23rd July BT Road firing incident, Operation Blue Bird, Thangjam Manorama alleged rape and murder case and the 29 August, 1998 Kwakeithel Akham Leikai firing incident.

It may be mentioned that Inspector Sh Pravender Kumar CBI New Delhi now attached with CBI/SIT Manipur had submitted chargesheet against then Sub Inspector Thokchom Krishnatombi of Taobungkhok Makha Leikai, then Constable Khundongbam Inaobi of Minuthong Kabo Leikai, then Constable Thangkhongam Lungdim of G Songgel village Churachandpur and then Constable Md Akhtar Hussain Md Kayum of Yairipok Tulihal Konjil Leikai.

Certain police officer and personnel who have expired were also listed in the chargesheet of CBI /SIT.

It is reported that EEVFAM and family members also held a candle light ritual in memory of Major Shimreingam Shaiza.

Comment