Imphal, March 19: The State Government has appointed retired Justice SP Rajkhowa, a former Judge of West Bengal High Court to head the twin inquiry commissions instituted to probe into the alleged mass rape of Hmar women at Lungthulian village in Parbung sub-division by UNLF and KCP cadres and the torture and molestation of Maibam Naobi by Thoubal Police Commandos in their custody.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh disclosed this on the floor of the House on the last day of the 13th session of the 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 17.Responding to a question raised by Keishamthong A/C MLA L Ibomcha who demanded to know the measures that have been taken up by the Government, the Chief Minister, who is also in-charge of Home, said the retired justice from outside Manipur has been roped in to head the judicial inquiry commissions so that the probe into the cases of Lungthulian village and M Naobi Chanu could be conducted in a free and fair manner.

Rajkhowa would be arriving at Imphal on March 20 to begin the enquiries, he said, adding that all the required staff have also been appointed.

On the other hand, Joint Secretary (Home) Th Chittaranjan Singh have issued two separate notifications on March 17 stating that the reports of the commissions should be submitted to the State Government as soon as possible but not later than 2 months from the date of issue of the said notifications.

The commission instituted in connection with the Lungthulian case would determine the facts of the allegations of causing serious injury to many villagers and molestation and rape of young girls belonging to Lungthulian village and surrounding areas in th night of January 16 by UG cadres of UNLF and KCP and to fix responsibility, find out any matter incidental thereto and recommend measures for preventing recurrence of such incident in future.