CFJM calls for FIR, action against CRPF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 22 2026:
The Citizens for Justice, Manipur (CFJM) vice president and former District And Sessions Judge, Aribam Noutuneshwari, has called for registration of an FIR over the death of 3 civilians in CRPF firing on protesters on April 7 .
An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed with Moirang police in the case of the death of two children at Tronglaobi.
However, no FIR seems to have been filed over the death of three protesters in the CRPF firing which also resulted in the injury of over 30 civilians, Noutuneshwari said, speaking to reporters at a press meet at Cheirap Court Complex, Uripok, Imphal today.
At Bishnupur's Tronglaobi on April 7, two children were killed and their mother was severely injured when a projectile suspected to have been fired by Kuki militants exploded inside their bedroom when they were asleep.
Subsequently on the same day, angered by the death of the children, protesters in large numbers had then stormed a CRPF camp nearby accusing the security forces of failing to protect civilian lives.
The CRPF personnel had then resorted to firing upon the protesters killing 3 and injuring dozens.
Addressing the media today, Noutuneshwari said an FIR must be filed in connection with the death of the three protesters, and legal actions must be taken up against CRPF personnel involved in the incident.
If there is no provision for Court-martial for force such as the CRPF, then the personnel involved must be booked under relevant sections of the BNSS and other laws, and tried in the Court, said the retired Judge.
She said, the postmortem of the bodies of the three killed must be done in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
A trace index map must be prepared and the Investigation Officer must prepare a preliminary report.
The Medical Officers concerned must also conduct the postmortem examination based on the specific FIR filed, she added.
The State police, she said, must refrain from making remarks and statements for the CRPF .
In case the FIR mentions that the protesters were fired upon for storming the arms room, then the police would be justifying the CRPF action.
It would be the same as arguing for the CRPF during trial.
The State police should not represent or speak for the CRPF, she added.
The case regarding the CRPF firing must not be handled by the NIA.
But, if the NIA has already taken the case, then it should not be transferred to the Guwahati NIA, she said.
The area where the incident occurred is under the jurisdiction of Bishnupur, and the district has a designated NIA Court, she added.
In the conflict since May 3, 2023, around 34 persons are remaining missing, but the Government has not yet provided any assistance to their families, Noutuneshwari said.
Even when the missing persons are presumed to be dead, the State has not yet declared them as dead and issued death certificates for their bodies have not been found or recovered.
In absence of death certificates, the families have been deprived of relevant Government assistance and entitlements, she said.
Meanwhile, in crackdown on protesters, many personnel of the security forces have been seen on camera destroying vehicles, CCTV cameras and many other properties of the public.
Such actions are against the law, and strict actions must be initiated against them, Noutuneshwari said.
She also criticised the use of live bullets against protesters, and said such actions are against the Supreme Court guidelines.
Speaking at the press meet, CFJM chairperson Khaidem Mani urged the Government of India to crack-down on terror.
A prolonged violent conflict may force people to review the Manipur Merger Agreement, he said.
Comment
