Ukhrul, Aug 10: In a very unique gesture, the Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul today awarded a compensation of Rs.2,49,857 to HR Mungkhai of Halang village under Section 5 and 6 of Manoeuvers Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938, by the Assam Rifles authorities.

NPMHR sources stated that, way back on 25 Sept 2001, Mangham of Halang village son of HR Variety sustained grievous injuries all over his body from the firing practice by the personnel of Assam Rifles at Somsai, while the victim was tending buffalo at his village near Somsai Assam Rifles post.

The statement further stated that the case was delayed for years as the then SDO/Ukhrul compensation assessed by his office was turned down by the victim.

A certificate copy of a Court order dated 1204-2002 passed by the Gauhati High Court in writ petition � No.68 of 2002 said that the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul shall proceed in accordance with the provision of the Act, and decide the matter within a period of two months time.

In consonance with the provisions of the said Act, a commission was constituted under Sec 6 (4) of the Act comprising of the Deputy Commissioner himself as chairman, a person nominated by the CO of Assam Rifles, two local person who may be expected to be familiar with the local conditions to decide the appeal made by the claimant.

The commission examined the claim made by the victim and the related documents in its meeting under the chairmanship of Ukhrul DC held three times on April 24, 2006, May 18 '06 and July 28 '06.The records also reveal the victim was examined by the State Medical Board in 2002 which recommended that Rs 20,000 is likely to be incurred for removal of the shrapnel from the body of the victim.

The victim was also made to appeal before the commission on May 18 this year and display the scars of injuries and operation conducted for removing the shrapnel from the body of the victim, Ngachonmi Chamroy the claimant's representative said.

Finally on July 28 this year, after a delay of more than 5 years the commission assessed and decided the amount of compensation payable to the victim as Rs 2,49,857 awarded under section 5 and 6 read with sec.11 of the Maneuvers field firing and Artillery practice, Act, 1938 to the victim HR Mungkhai of Halang village and directed the Assam Rifles authority to deposit the compensation amount awarded to the victim within a period of 30 days as per section 5 of the act to the DC Ukhrul for payment to the awardees (Victim) through the CO, 13 Assam Rifles, HQ Somsai C/O 99 APO.

Meanwhile, the NPMHR, praised the DC/Ukhrul for the prompt redressal of the case as it was taken up after three former DCs of Ukhrul failed to take up the issue adding that the present DC's endeavor ultimately solve the case which is a unique for the state so far.

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