SC probe into fake encounter cases: Clarity in probe notice, extension urged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 21 2013: Contending that the public notice, issued in connection with the Supreme Court decree for an inquiry into fake encounter cases in Manipur, lacks clarity and is infeasible, Civil Society coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN today suggested that relevant details be provided to the general public along with setting up an office of the inquiry commission here in the state capital.

Speaking to newpersons at Manipur Press Club today, Coalition convenor Dr Laifungbam Debabrata Roy said a memorandum pointing out ambiguity in the public notice published in the February 9 editions of two State dailies was submitted to the Supreme Court-instituted independent Commission of Inquiry on February 18 .

In the said missive, the Commission was urged to set-up an office of the probe panel here in the State (Imphal) to facilitate recording of witnesses' statements, affidavits or evidences.

Noting that the said notice was issued for only a day in only two dailies, the convenor said the Commission has been urged to republish the same notice for at least three consecutive days in English, Manipuri and other languages in the State.

Dr Debabrata also stated that full 'terms of reference of the inquiry commission' be conveyed to the public, establish an office with full cooperation and essential support by both the Central and State Governments, extend deadline for submission of relevant facts to the panel till February 28, ensure protective mechanism for the witnesses, surviving family members and parties interested in submitting information, depose or appear before the commission.

The Coalition memorandum also suggested that the Commission initiate confidential mechanism as practised worldwide or as prescribed by the United Nations Human Rights Council; reduce number of copies of documents required to be submitted to one copy; and entertain submission of audio, video, photographs, object/material evidences including fact-finding visits to the alleged encounter sites in order to establish the true facts and circumstances of the killing of seven persons in Manipur during 2009 for effective and speedy delivery of justice to the aggrieved parties.

Dr Debabrata also highlighted that the apex court instituted the Commission based on petition filed by the Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families' Association Manipur, the petitioner pleading for an independent probe into more than 1500 cases of extra-judicial killings in Manipur.

The Commission comprising of retired Supreme Court Justice N Santosh Hedge, former Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh and DGP (Retd) of Karnataka police Ajay Kumar Singh will conduct an independent probe into six different cases of extra-judicial killings in the State, involving seven victims, including a child.

The three-member Commission team is scheduled to arrive here on March 1 .

Coalition members Joy Chingakham and Phulindro Konsam were also present at the media briefing.

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