Imphal, February 22 2009: Paying heed to the Chief Minister�s appeal, the JAC against the brutal killing of Dr Thingnam Kishan and two of his subordinate staff has on Sunday decided to claim the three dead bodies lying at the RIMS morgue for the last rites Monday morning. Addressing a press conference today at the Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, the JAC Chairman, Retd Lt Colonel, Soram Tiken said that the decision to claim the dead bodies of the officials was reached today during a meeting between the JAC and the chief minister, along with his cabinets, MLAs and other officials at the CM�s office chamber around 1.30 this evening. The JAC Chairman conveyed to the media persons that the JAC has expressed its displeasure during the meeting over the CM�s statement which appeared in local media that 90 percent of the demands of the JAC have been fulfilled.

The JAC has been demanding, among others, the punishment of the culprits involved in the killing, the safe release of the three officials who have been abducted along with the dead victims, and to initiate a criminal proceeding against the DC of Ukhrul. During the meeting, the CM has consented to disclose the facts in the killing incident of the three officials, Tiken conveyed.

The JAC has also accepted that the report of an inquiry will be taken as a prima facie while initiating a criminal proceeding against the DC of Ukhrul, the JAC Chairman communicates. The Chairman further said that the CM also conveyed his inability to make known the testimonies the three reposed abducted victims as interrogation to the three officials has been in progress.

The CM however assured of divulging the details in public at the earliest possible. The CM also said that he is eager to reveal the details dug out from the questioning of the officials to the public.

But how long it will take the CM to be able to disclose it is not expected yet, Tiken reveals.

The CM was also reported to have further assured that if the DC of Ukhrul is found involved in the killing incident; the DC will be terminated from service.

The chairman also said that the CM also instructed his officials to allot a place somewhere in Lamphel for a common rites of the three officials.

Further the CM also assured to provide security to officials posted in hill areas. During the meeting, the CM also told the JAC that in case the dead bodies of the three officials are not claimed today itself, thegovernment authority will dispose the bodies as unclaimed bodies.

To this, the JAC insisted the CM to defer the date till Monday morning taking into consideration the sentiments of the bereaved families which the CM nods positively, the JAC chairman informs. The JAC then communicate to the Government representatives that since the agitation has been initiated by the public, there is no question of the JAC persisting to cease the agitation, Lt Col (Retd) Tiken maintained.

The meeting was attended by members of the JAC, the CM and his Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, government officials including state Home Secretary, DS Poonia, the JAC Chairman said.

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