2 police officers depose before inquiry commission
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 31, 2011:
Two police officers including Imphal West Addl SP today appeared in the Justice (Retd) P G Agarwal Commission of Inquiry investigating into the circumstances leading to the July 23, 2009 firing and gave their statements with regard to the incident.
Addl SP, Ak Jhalajit, in his statement, said even though he sometimes led police commando units in some important and big counter insurgency operations, he was not part of that operation.
He said that he however asked OCs and I/Cs of the police commando units under his supervision to remain alert on receiving information on the wireless that some UGs had entered the bazar area at a time when the Assembly session was on.
Jhalajit deposed, he informed his officers through the police control room.
"I did not personally see the acts of firing and after the incident had taken place, I also did not interfere as it was in the realm of investigation.
The work of investigation of crimes is generally carried out by the concerned Officer in Charge," he added.
The then in-charge of Commando bazar unit, Inspector, Hijam Devendra Singh who also acknowledged the receipt of the 'alert' message of infiltration of UGs said that riflemen Toyaima and Khaiminthang were detailed for duty at the place where the first incident of firing took place.
Deposing that the incident took place around 9:50 am, he said at that time he was at his office and went only after hearing the firing.
He went out along with SI Punsiba Kabrambam and proceeded to Hao Keithel, near Gambhir Singh Arcade, he heard firing sounds again.
"I therefore rushed towards Gambhir Singh Arcade.
After a few minutes, I was told that one person has been killed inside Maimu Pharmacy.
I entered the pharmacy and saw a person lying dead inside.
I also saw a small firearm lying near the dead body," he told the Commission.
The commission postponed the hearing till February 21 for examination of witnesses, if any, from the police department and police commandos.