Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, October 22:
The adviser (K) to the Governor, K Kipgen, made an appearance today before the C Upendra Commission of inquiry looking into the facts and circumstances of the June 18 and July 20 incidents, as did one of those injured on June 18.The advisor (K) testified that he stayed at his office from 9 am to 5 pm on June 18, but said he was aware of the events happening on that day from information received at the office from time to time.
He said he heard of the burning of his quarters inside the chief minister's bungalow, where his family .was staying at the time, and also heard of the burning of the Assembly building, several official quarters of MLAs and the offices of various political parties by the agitations on that afternoon.
He further stated at around 1 pm to 2 pm, while he was at his office at the old secretariat, he heard gunshots from the northwestern side, and even from the chief minister's bungalow, but he did riot witness the scene personally.
On the other hand, one Md Fizur Rahman, 30, of Khomidok Umang Leikai, who received a bullet injury on his right foot during the June 18 firing, testified before the commission that he had come to Imphal on that day to collect a debt from a friend.
He said that he saw people of various communities agitating on the road and in front of the Raj Bhavan gate on protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.
He said he watched the scene from the bus stand near the traffic island in front of the Raj Bhavan gate.
He stated that after he was there about a half hour, he heard gunshots, and saw CRPF personnel emerging from various places and start firing.
He said he started running with the other members of the public till he was hit by a bullet near the traffic point opposite post office.
He said he tried to run further, but fell down near the traffic point.