Imphal, March 10, 2010: Even as Governor Gurbachan Jagat visited injured Advocate General Nongmeikappam Koteshwar at Shija Hospital today, lawyers took out a protest rally decrying the incident of shooting and injuring the AG by a Cabinet Minister.

Meanwhile, Imphal East District Police have recorded statements of Works Minister K Ranjit, TD Minister DD Thaisii and the driver of the car in which they were travelling together with Koteshwar.

Giving his statement, Ranjit said that they rode in the same car from Finch Corner as the time was getting late and the security escorts were not adequate.

Thaisii said he took along his .32 pistol (Italian made Barreta) loaded with three rounds as there was threat from a UG group.

Police have also seized the car.

The silent protest rally jointly organised by the All Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association started from High Court (Imphal Bench) complex and concluded at Cheirap Court complex where a meeting of lawyers was held.

The protest rally was participated by a large number of lawyers practising in the High Court and lower courts who suspended their duties for the rally.

Addressing the meeting presided by the High Court Bar Association president L Shyamkishore, Advocate Ch Dhananjoy said that a senior police officer approached the injured AG in hospital and asked him to sign a paper which was similar to a confessional statement which the AG declined.

Dhananjoy also condemned Chief Minister O Ibobi's statement that the shot was fired accidentally and there was no need for an enquiry.

Stating that the whole circumstances surrounding the incident was dubious, the Advocate questioned if the incident was a manifestation of state terrorism.

Advocate Khaidem Mani asserted that lawyers should carry out 'legal bombing' against the Government.

He asked if a youth who shoots the Chief Minister can be forgiven because the youth happens to be his political worker.

Senior Advocate Nokulsana observed that such incidents were clear reflection of the failure of the Constitution and absence of rule of law in Manipur.

Speaking to media persons later, High Court Bar Association Secretary N Jotendro said that lawyers have decided to return to their works from tomorrow as Lamlai Police have taken up a suo moto case and registered an FIR case.

The meeting also constituted a 30 member joint monitoring committee comprising executive members of AMBA and HCBA.

The FIR case registered at Lamlai police station is FIR 36 (3) Lamlai PS, Under Section 326 and 327 Arms Act.

The FIR also mentioned that AG N Koteshwar was hit by a bullet near Sawombung.

On the other hand, Governor Gurbachan Jagat visited Koteshwar at Shija Hospital and wished him speedy recovery.

The Governor noted that the AG was recuperating.

The Governor has also convened a meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi tomorrow after the Assembly session to discuss about the situation arising from shooting the AG.

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