Heirangoithong massacre remembered
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 14 2022: Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families' Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) and Young Men's Development Organisation jointly observed the 38th anniversary of Heirangoithong massacre, in which 14 civilians were killed by CRPF personnel, on Monday at Heirangoithong volleyball ground.

Speaking on the occasion, EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam expressed apprehension of not getting justice regarding the incident as the case has remained pending eternally.

She confided that CBI submitted closure report of the case in 2020 citing insufficient evidences regarding the deaths of the 14 innocent people.

However, EEVFAM and family of the victims registered a complaint to CBI, she added.

Highlighting the need to complete the trial and deliver justice at the earliest, she pointed out that there is dearth of witness regarding the Heirangoithong massacre as the case is more than 30 years old.

As such, it hindered in bringing out the truth.

EEVFAM along with the people will work together, though a bit late, to help in bringing out truth about the incident, she assured.

District and Sessions judge Y Ibotombi's report published in 1985 titled 'Heirangoithong Firing Inquiry Commission' which was reprinted again by EEVFAM and Human Rights Alert (HRA) was also released during the observance.

Floral tributes were paid at the memorial stone of the 14 innocent victims.

It may be mentioned here CRPF personnel opened fire indiscriminately towards the people who were watching a volleyball tournament at Heirangoithong ground on March 14, 1984, killing 14 people and injuring 32 others.

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