Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15:
Even as the Assam Rifles has challenged the legality the inquiry commission set up to probe the Bungte Chiru firing incident, the probe panel has issued bailable warrant of arrest against two personnel of 28 Assam Rifles, who are alleged to have joined the search operation.
Headed by retired Judge C Upendra the probe panel issued bailable warrant of arrest against Havildar Surajkumar and Rifleman Chaoba for a sum of Rs 1000 with a surety of the same amount each and fixed their date of appearance and returnable on March 21.The troopers of 28 Assam Rifles allegedly gunned down retired teacher LD Rengtuiwan and shot his wife Thangmuchin on November 16, 2004 during a counter insurgency operation launched at Bungte Chiru village in Bishnupur district.
For questioning, the probe panel had already issued summons to four personnel of the battalion including its Commandant Col Pillay, Capt/Adjutant Budhawar, Havildar Surajkumar and Rifleman Chaoba.
However the four failed to appear, prompting the Commission to make a proclamation against them to appear before the probe panel on March 11.The statements given by Bishnupur police revealed that Havildar Surajkumar and Rifleman Chaoba were part of the AR team that conducted the operation on that ill-fated day.
Meanwhile, the Captain of the AR battalion on March 11 filed an application challenging the legality of instituting the commission by the State Government.
He contended that the State Government has no jurisdiction to inquire into the conduct of the personnel belonging to the Armed Forces of the Union of India, who are acting by exercising the power conferred under Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.For this, the Commission has fixed tomorrow for further hearings and other necessary orders.
From the application, it is also learnt that Col Pillay has already been transferred from 28 Assam Rifles before the summons issued by the Commission reached him and the battalion, said a highly placed source in the probe panel.
The Commission on March 11 issued the bailable warrant of arrest against the four personnel including the Commandant.
But when it learnt that he had been transferred, the Commission revoked the warrant order issued against the CO.
Nevertheless, the officer is to be produced before the Commission for giving evidence on March 21, the source maintained.