Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18:
In a sudden twist that may hamper the ongoing inquiry probe into the killing of retired teacher LD Rengtuiwan of Bungte Chiru village, authorities of Assam Rifles and Komrem Union have reached an understanding to withdraw the MoU signed between the State Govt and Komrem Union (NEI), Manipur regarding to judicial inquiry instituted to probe the killing.
A copy of the MoU signed between CO of 28 Assam Rifles and Komrem Union president Alar Thei-tak and chief of Bungte Chiru village Rihongkha Thanglen was placed by (retd) district and sessions judge C Upendra today, said a highly placed source in the probe panel.
Having perused the MoU signed on December 19, 2004 the commission said such copy could not affect proceedings of the panel in respect of the inquiry as no party from the State Govt side was a signatory in the MoU, the source added.
Three villagers of Bung-te chiru - MS Warchung (40), MS Bungchoichon (30) and Th D William who were allegedly bashed up by the Assam Rifles personnel on that fateful day (November 16 2004) however said they were totally in the dark on such agreement.
�We only came to know of such development today after seeing the agreement copy,� they said and lamented that they were not informed at all by the AR authorities, Komrem Union or the village chief.
Even if they were informed of the matter they would oppose any move to withdraw the judicial inquiry, they said.
The agreement signed between the Komrem Union and AR also said the CO of 18 AR �acknowledges that the security personnel have committed a grave mistake� by shooting to death LD Rengtuiwan and injuring his wife on the night of December 16.Both the parties have come to the conclusion that it was an unfortunate incident and after compiling and examining the pros and cons, both parties are of the opinion that they cannot blame each other, the agreement also said.
Ignoring such agreement, the Commission has fixed Jan 24 for examining the three injured villagers.