Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19:
Lt Gen Daljeet Singh, GOC 3 Corps, while reaffirming that guilty personnel involved in the custodial death of Manorama would be punished according to the law of the land, has informed that the Court of Inquiry instituted to probe the killing is proceeding in full swing at Kangla.
Interacting with media persons at Kangla today, the army officer stated that the army inquiry started immediately after the unfortunate incident.
Stating that the army respects the sentiments and culture of the people of Manipur, the army officer added that strict instructions have been issued to all the commanders to ensure that such unwanted incidents do not occur again in future.
Commenting on the Judicial Inquiry instituted by the State Govt to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Manorama, the Corps Commander reiterated that the army and the Assam Rifles authorities would extend full cooperation to the probe.
Even though he declined to divulge the progress of the ongoing Court of Inquiry he stated that the Court is eagerly awaiting the post mortem report of the deceased Manorama.
Commenting on the public's demand for arresting the guilty personnel by the State police for initiating necessary action, the Lt General stated that the army has its own rules and the inquiry is being conducted within the parameters of the army rules.
Responding to a query, he also promised to look into the alleged custodial killing of a number of persons recently by the security personnel.
Taking serious note of the complaints made against the army and the Assam Rifles by the public, the army officer assured to visit the State more frequently and take up necessary action so that army excesses are prevented at all cost.
He also assured to look into the allegations that AR men had demanded money from a student leader recently.
Commenting on the naked protest staged by women activist at Kangla gate against the brutal killing of Manorama, he said that the matter was very serious and need to be dealt very carefully.