Probe panel extends deadline till Jan 24
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 04 2024:
Keeping in view of the prevailing situation in the state and the difficulties being faced by the displaced people, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) appointed by the Central government to investigate the ethnic violence in the state has extended the deadline for submission of statements, complaints, or allegations till January 24.The Commission, established under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, is chaired by Justice Ajai Lamba, former chief justice of Gauhati High Court.
Other members include retired IAS Humanshu Shekhar Das, and retired IPS Aloka Prabhakar.
The terms of reference of the Commission encompass comprehensive inquiry into the causes, spread, and sequence of events leading to the violence and riots targeting various communities in Manipur on May 3, 2023 .
Additionally, the Commission will examine any lapses or dereliction of duty by responsible authorities, assess the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and address the violence, and consider other relevant matters that may arise during the inquiry.
The Commission is also open to receiving complaints or allegations from individuals or associations, with specified formats and accompanying affidavits.
The Commission, in exercise of its powers conferred by Rule 5(2) (b) of Commissions of Inquiry (Central) Rules, 1972, issued a notification on November 20, 2023.The notification, published by the home department in the Manipur Gazette Extra Ordinary, invited all persons acquainted with the subject matter of the inquiry to provide statements or complaints within 45 days.
The decision to extend the deadline was prompted by a number of applications and requests received by the Commission, citing various factors, including sporadic incidents of violence during the notice period that disrupted normal life and activities in parts of Manipur.
The Commission, emphasising the importance of a fair inquiry and public interest, took into account these circumstances and opted to extend the deadline to ensure the maximum participation of individuals in the inquiry process.
For those submitting statements or complaints, the, modalities for executing affidavits are detailed in the (Regulation of Procedure) Order, 2023 of the Commission, as notified on August 26 .
and published on August 29 last year, by the state Home department, in the Manipur Gazette Extra Ordinary.
The complete details of the public notice, along with the regulations and procedures, are available on the official website of the Manipur Gazette at https://manie-varapress.is.jm/en/details_gazzete/?gazette=1867 .