CM Directs Court of Enquiry over Saturday night incident at Thoubal

(10.30 pm,4/4/'11, Imphal)

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has directed Assam Rifles authority to institute a court of enquiry over the incident of Saturday night at which an aged lady was killed after she was hit by a projectile allegedly fired upon by personnel of Assam Rifles while celebrating the India’s victory in World Cup Cricket.

According to a released issued by Principal private secretary of Chief Minister, A Gopal Singh, - O ibobi today convened a meeting with the member of the JAC formed against the dead of the aged Lady at his office bungalow to solve the issues arisen out of the incident. IG AR South and Manipur DGP were also reportedly present during the meeting. After hearing the demands of the JAC, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi reportedly directed the Assam Rifles Authority to constitute a court of enquiry and punish the culprits involved in the mindless firing.

The Chief Minister also directed the security forces not to let such accident happened in future. It may be recalled that Waikhom Ongbi Mani aged about 70 years was killed after a projectile landed at the roof hit her shoulder while she was sleeping at her bed. The locals said the projected was a stray bullet brush by the 15 AR personnel at its Tomjing post of Thoubal while celebrating the victory of Indian team in cricket world cup.

In a press clarification made by the Assam Rifles it is stated that an accidental brush firing was occurred on the night of Saturday while conducting a routine change of guard at 15 AR post at Thoubal. The released further said the house of the deceased was about 800 meter from the AR post and possibility of the accidental discharge by the weapon and causing the death of the aged lady is being investigated into. It said full cooperation and assistance is being extended by the AR post to the family of the deceased, police and local people to investigate into the matter.

 Later, after an agreement has been reached between the Chief Minister and the JAC, body of Mani Devi was accepted to perform last rite today.