Imphal, November 08: The commandant of the CRPF's 81st battalion, who was in command of the CRPF personnel on duty at the Raj Bhavan gates on June 18, told the C Upendra commission of inquiry today that there was an imminent and direct threat to the Raj Bhavan from the huge crowd gathered at the Raj Bhavan's southern gate on that day.

He maintained that had there been no timely action by the security forces, the life of the inmates inside the Raj Bhavan, including the Governor could have been in danger and the Raj Bhavan also might have been burnt.

The commandant who said he was personally present at the southern gate of the Raj Bhavan from 11 am claimed five vehicles of the CRPF were damaged by the angry crowd and seven CRPF personnel sustained injuries.

He further stated that an armoured vehicle was parked at the Raj Bhavan gale to prevent the crowd from forcibly entering the Raj Bhavan gate, keeping in view the overall scenario and behavior of the crowd.

Cross examined by the counsel of the victims, he denied a suggestion that the crowd on that day requested the security forces for allowing them to meet the Governor and termed the public as a mob.

He also maintained that the CRPF personnel on that day were doing their duties effectively.

He further denied that the CRPF firing was directed upon the crowd-and also denied the allegation that the CRPF personnel fired directly on some persons who were trying to help the injured persons.

The joint director of the Manipur fire department, N Noren, and the officer-in-charge of Lamphel police station, Sanajaoba also testified before the C Upendra commission of inquiry today.

N Noren in his statement before the commission stated that prior to the July 20 incident, he had received a copy of the security arrangements issued by the superintendent of police, Imphal west, requesting the director of fire services to deploy three tenders and necessary crews in front of the Imphal police station to meet any eventuality.

On July 20, at around 1:30 pm, fire tender MNG/1305 of Type X was parked near the old district hospital.

The same vehicle was used in dispersing the crowd by splashing water, and in the course of action, one of the crew sustained injury on account of stone pelting.

When cross examined by the counsel of the United Committee, Manipur, he said none of the fire tender vehicles were designed specifically for dispersing the crowd but there were persons trained to use the vehicle called the water cannon, a specific vehicle meant for dispersing crowds.

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