JAC, family set record straight
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 08 2011:
The JAC against the killing of Irom Roger and the bereaved family members have presented their side of the story in connection with the controversy centering around taking over the body and handing over the case to the CBI for investigation.
Roger was shot dead by Ajay, son of Minister N Biren during the recent Yaoshang festival.
Talking to mediapersons at the Press Club here today afternoon, JAC convenor Angom Boby said that along with submitting a four-point demand of charters to the Chief Minister, the JAC was preparing to launching various intense agitations with the support of various civil organisations to demand justice, when the decision take over the body was adopted following a request from the bereaved family to perform the last rites due to any departed soul.
To discuss the charter of demands submitted to the Chief Minister, several rounds of joint meeting had been held.
But the JAC had never ever raised the demand for handing over the case to CBI.
Nonetheless, during one such joint meeting, there was one instance in which the mother of Roger expressed her desire for finding the truth behind the killing by some agencies like CBI, Boby said, while lamenting the attempt being made from some quarters to mislead the people against the JAC members, who have been trying their level best to ensure justice and punish the culprit.
The JAC does not have any tacit understanding with the Govt over the issue nor had it taken any money from the Govt, Boby clarified.
Parents of late Roger, who were also present at the occasion, clarified that they have claimed the body of their son with the sole intention of performing the last rites due to any departed soul.
The decision of the Govt to hand over the case for investigation by CBI has also nothing to do with the family members or the JAC.
The Chief Minister has only taken advantage of a simple remark.
In response to a question, the bereaved parents said that they have full faith in the JAC.
To another question, the parents informed that Roger was having valuables worth around Rs 50,000 on his body on the day he was shot dead.
But discrepancies have been noted in the seizure list maintained by the IO of the case.
Accordingly, a complaint had been lodged with the DGP for recovering the missing items.
Apart from this, no other complaint have been lodged with anyone against alleged pressure of the JAC on the family.