HC approves
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 11 2017: A single bench of High Court of Manipur comprising of Justice N Kotiswar today issued an order permitting relatives, well-wishers and friends of the nine people killed by security forces at Kodompokpi village on April 13, 1982 to offer floral tributes at Cheiraoching memorial complex on April 13 .

The order was issued after hearing a petition filed on April 7 by eight people who are relatives of the deceased.

The petition pleaded the Court for directing the State of Manipur represented by Additional Chief Secretary (Home), District Magistrate Imphal West and Superintendent of Police Imphal West to allow conduct of religious rituals and offer of floral tributes at the memorial complex.

Counsel of the petitioners highlighted that the Court on earlier occasions had allowed relatives, well-wishers and friends of the nine deceased to pay tributes subsequent to the guidelines issued by the State authorities on maintenance of law and order in the area.

Not raising objection to the prayer, counsel representing the Government mentioned that the authorities concerned should be at liberty to take appropriate measures for maintenance of law and order on the day and place.

The Court approved the tribute paying ceremony from 8 am to 4 pm.

Mention may be made that nine persons namely Thoudam Kunjabihari @ Rajen Singh of Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai, Thoudam Loken @ Amujao Singh of the same locality, Maibam Paka Singh of Heirok Part II Litanmakhong, Pakhanglakpa @ Puki, RK Khoiromba @ Gyane Singh, Sorokhaibam Kameshwore @ Kanta Singh of Heibongpokpi Makha Leikai, Khundrakpam Chaobhan @ Rajen of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, Naorem Rajen Meitei @ Prem of Kakwa Naorem Leikai and Moirangthem Premkumar of Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak were killed by Indian Army in an alleged shootout at Kodompokpi village on April 13, 1982 .

Since 1987, relatives, well-wishers and friends of the deceased have been performing religious rituals at Cheiraoching memorial complex with the permission of Court of law.

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