Imphal, April 26: Alleging that procedural norms have been violated by the Justice SP Rajkhowa Inquiry Commission entrusted to probe the incident of January 16 at Parbung, the Human Rights Alert (HRA) has raised a preliminary objection to the Commission.

Furnishing its reasons for raising the objection, a statement issued by HRA asserted that the Commission denied participation of its counsel in procuring testimonies of the witnesses.

It mentioned that following the public notification of March 21 calling for statements of affidavit, the Executive Director of HRA filed his affidavit on April 3 detailing the reports which he gathered during his fact finding visit to Aizawl, Sakarwdai, Lungthulien, Parbung, Tipaimukh from March 5 to 10.As per section 8 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1952, the Parbung Commission is obliged to formulate a procedure to regulate the proceedings of the Commission and the parties who have filed affidavits should be informed of the same.

However the Rajkhowa Commission has not followed any of these norms, alleged HRA.

Without following the proper procedure, the Rajkhowa Commission has conducted examination of witnesses.

Moreover the HRA was also denied the opportunity to examine the witnesses despite all the efforts and pleas to assist the Commission in the fact finding process.

Such non-responsive attitude of the Commission has created doubt on its modus operandi, charged HRA.

Observing that the ongoing inquiry has departed from the normal procedures and manner of inquiry held earlier in Manipur and perhaps in the whole country, it appealed to all to abide by the rules and norms of such an inquiry providing all the judicial guarantees which are recognised as indispensable in democracy including transparency and accountability.

It further appealed to hold the inquiry de-novo by giving fair and reasonable opportunity of hearing and recording of statements of all the witnesses including the alleged victims at a place accessible by all concerned in the presence of all interested parties like Human Rights Alert.

HRA also sought a definite response from the Rajkhowa Commission on its objection at an early date for justice sake.

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