CBI probe progressing, won't spare 'guilty' cops: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 30 2023:
Along with confiding that investigation into the killing of two students by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is progressing and perpetrators of the crime would be soon booked and punished accordingly, chief minister N Biren asserted that security personnel found guilty of using excessive force against the agitating students will not be spared.
The CBI special director is still in Imphal and supervising the investigation, Biren said while responding to a query by media persons on the sidelines of observing Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Day at Irawat Square, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, here, on Saturday.
"I would not give time but perpetrators of the heinous killing of two young students would be arrested soon," CM Biren told media persons while adding that the CBI team will continue the investigation further.
Strongly condemning excesses committed by security forces while dealing with students protesting killing of the two students, the chief minister said regretted injuries caused to protesting students.
A cabinet minister was sent to meet the injured students currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals and handed over Rs 50,000 each for immediate relief, he said, adding that the government will bear treatment expenses of all the injured students.
The government will also provide requisite assistance if any of the injured students need treatment outside the state, Biren said, while reiterating his assurance that security personnel who used excessive force against students will be punished based on the report of the enquiry being conducted.
He also appealed to the people to remain united, maintain calm and collectively fight the enemies of the state, which has witnessed ethnic violence.
Among others, two students were seriously injured in crackdown by state police and Rapid Action Force during two consecutive days of protest recently.
One of them received more than 40 pellet bullets on his skull fired by security personnel and another, 17-year-old L Kishan's shoulder was shattered by pellets fired from close range, according to authorities of the hospital where the two are being treated.
The crackdown followed the massive protests by students against the alleged killing of two students who went missing on July 6.Photos of their bodies went viral on the social media recently triggering the protests and led to the sending of a CBI team from Delhi to the state for enquiry.
Meanwhile, paying his respects to 'Jana Neta' Hijam Irabot, the founder of the Communist party in Manipur, on his 127th birth anniversary at the programme, Biren said: "On this day, I want to urge all again to remain calm, stay united and collectively fight the enemies of the state.
To come and sit together to resolve all misunderstandings so as to protect the integrity of the state and to live peacefully".
Describing Jana Neta Hijam Irawat as a true patriot, who dedicated his life for betterment of the society, CM Biren said that the great leader is being remembered on his birth anniversary.
As most of the ministers and MLAs are outside, all ministers and MLAs present in the state took part in the commemorative event collectively, he added.
According to the chief minister, any misunderstanding among the people amidst the crisis must be settled amicably and called upon the people to take oath for protecting the integrity of Manipur and live peacefully.
The event marked with paying of rich floral tributes to the statue of Hijam Irawat was also attended by transport minister Khasim Vashum, advocate general Lenin Hijam, MLA Leishiyo Keishing, LDA chairman Moirangthem Asnikumar, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, security advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and other government officials.
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