Imphal, September 21: The deputy commissioner, Imphal west, H Imocha Singh, who appeared before the C Upendra Commission of Inquiry today in connection with the July 20 firing in which one person was killed, has admitted that the student rally on that day was peaceful and non-violent The DC, in his statement before the inquiry, said he had given permission for holding the silent rally by students on July 20 in connection with the agitation against the June 14 Bangkok agreement.

He further disclosed that he was at Hathi Chowk at the time when the students were stopped on the way to Raj Bhavan at around 2 pm.

He testified that the rally was conducted in a very calm and non-violent manner and most of the students were in uniform carrying books in their hands.

He however stated that due to the prevailing tense situation, he had announced curfew at around 2:20 pm on that day through the same afternoon.

He said it was unfortunate that even after the announcement of curfew the students did not disperse, and later the security forces had used various means to disperse the students by firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets in exercise of prohibitory orders.

He further told the commission that the deceased, Rajkumar, died after he was hit by a stray bullet on the same afternoon.

During cross examination by the commission's counsel, he said that since the mass movement against the ceasefire extension began, several forms of agitation had taken place, and from the state government side as a precautionary measure he had imposed prohibitory orders from time to time, according to the agitations that arose.

He further reiterated that he had given his written permission to the AMSU to stage a peaceful rally on that day.

He added that he had received some of the books surrendered by the students on that day.

The UCM convenor, Sapamcha Jadumani also appeared before the commission today.

In his statement, Jadumani said the UCM had fully taken part and supported the July 20 rally organized by the AMSU.

He said he did not participate himself in the July 20 incident as he was in Delhi, but appreciated the participation of students.

He also said that the UCM was established to protect Manipur's identity, integrity and to bring communal harmony to the state.

Comment