Imphal, December 02 2009: Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Ukhrul has directed Hopeson Ningshen, a self styled lieutenant colonel of NSCN (IM) and the main accused in the killing of then Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two subordinate staff namely driver Aribam Rajen and Revenue Mandal Yumnam Token, to appear before the Court tomorrow.

Disclosing this during a press conference at Manipur Press Club today, convenor of the JAC, formed in protest against the triple killing, Y Kapur said that with CBI, which is investigating the case, submitting the chargesheet to CJM Ukhrul and CJM Senapati on October 31, the matter has already been brought to the notice of the State Home Department.

With the Home Department accepting the chargesheet that has been framed after recording the statements of 68 witnesses including the then Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Pankaj Kumar Pal, the case is now at the stage of trial in the State, he added.

Kapur further informed that CJM Ukhrul had issued an order to produce Ningshen before the Court tomorrow and the copies of the order made available to SP of Tihar Jail where Ningshen is being lodged as well as to the Delhi Metropolitan Magistrate.

Besides, Ningshen, the order of the CJM has also directed to three other cadres of NSCN (I-M) who are co-accused in the case namely RI Yurhoor alias Abo Sibo of Tuinem, Ukhrul, Johnny of Kamjong and SK Themhorshang alias Themshang of Apong, Kapur disclosed.

It may be recalled here that Dr Kishan, Rajen and Token were abducted by armed cadres of NSCN (I-M) from near the Hundung Naga Gate, Ukhrul on February 13 this year and later were found brutally murdered at Taphou Kuki Village in Senapati district four days after.

Referring to the chargesheet, Kapur said that NSCN (IM) demanded Rs 20 lakhs from Dr Kishan but the latter turned it down.

Three other sub-ordinate staff namely Ramsing, Ramthing and Kapangkhui who were abducted along with Dr Kishan, Rajen and Token were released after being brought till Khuman Lampak, Imphal in a Bolero.

All three of them had gone to visit cashier Bhumeshore of Uripok.

But as threatened by the abductors, they did not say anything.

The wife of Hopeson Ningshen is in Dewlahland.

On February 11, Ningshen had a telephonic conversation with one of his elder brothers who works as an Additional Chief Engineer in the Power Department.

He also had a telephonic conversation with a young woman staying in Checkon area on February 16 and 17 .

JAC chairman retired Lt Col Soram Tiken who was also present during the press conference decried the misleading fax message given by DGP to the CBI maintaining that bringing the main accused, Hopeson Ningshen may cause social unrest in the State and there is even threat on his life in the jail.

To ensure that the case is not taken in the wrong direction, the JAC approached the Supreme Court for intervention, he said, adding that after hearing all the sides, the apex court passed a directive on November 24 to include Manipur State as the second respondent of the case.

Accordingly, a notice returnable within four weeks has been forwarded to Manipur State, he disclosed, adding that the JAC has only intervened in the case between CBI and Hopeson Ningshen.

It may also be recalled here that on May 29 last, Hopeson Ningshen was brought to Imphal Airport to appear before CJM UKhrul there.

On the other hand, Tiken further pointed out that the chargesheet of the CBI has not mentioned anything against the then Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Pankaj Kumar Pal who has been charged with involvement in the killing by the family members of the victims.

Alleging involvement of Pankaj Kumar Pal in the killing, the family members have filed a case in CJM Ukhrul.

Accordingly, the same court had given directive to the police for finding out the whereabouts of Pankaj.

However, the police report submitted to the court stated that whereabouts of Pankaj could not be located inspite of great efforts to trace him.

This is really surprising, the chairman said.

Inspite of that, he went on to say, the JAC had filed an application under RTI requesting for information on the suspension order of Pankaj, his whereabouts and whether the suspension order has been revoked or not.

However, apart from a copy of the suspension order, the Information Commission has not provided any other informations being sought.

Application had also been filed under RTI requesting to furnish the report of the inquiry committee set up by the Government but nothing has been provided, he informed.

Demanding to know why the inquiry had been ordered if its report is not to be made known to the public, Tiken contended that it is because of such conduct of the State Government that no one in Manipur today have faith on the inquiry ordered by the Government.

Inspite of all these, the judiciary is still performing its duty and the JAC and the bereaved families hope that it would definitely do justice, Tiken added.

It is said that the Phiroi (death anniversary) of the three victims would be observed on February 12 next year and the foundation stone of the memorial monument to be erected at Gandhi Ghat would be laid at the occasion and the blue print of the same would be displayed.

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