Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) The N Biren Singh government has instituted magisterial inquiries to investigate into the violent incidents triggered at Churachandpur district headquarters on Thursday night and snatching of arms and ammunition from an IRB camp on February 13.
At least two persons were killed in the Churachandpur incident when Central paramilitary forces opened fire to quell a fierce mob.
Joint secretary (Home) Ranjan Yumnam , in his orders, said the Governor has appointed District Magistrates (DMs) of both Churachandpur and Imphal East districts as inquiry authorities to conduct the magisterial inquiries into the incidents happened in their respective districts.
Within 30 days, reports of both inquiries should be submitted to the government said the orders.
For Churachandpur incident, the probe will be conducted by DM Dharun Kumar to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the incidents – loss of lives and property and others – and “suggest remedial measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future.”
Terming the Churachandpur incident as unfortunate, it said that government properties and assets, including office buildings of the district’s DC and SP were set ablaze “which was orchestrated by unidentified group of persons leading to loss of life and property”.
With a view to incite anti-establishment feelings the offices were attacked, and the Indian tricolour , the sacred symbol of the Republic of India,” was un-hoisted unceremoniously from the DC Office building and dishonoured during the incident of rampant acts of sabotage arson and vandalism,” it added.
DM (Imphal East) Khumanthem Diana Devi will head the inquiry for the Chinarel occurance to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to it and also suggest remedial measures to avoid recurrence of the same in future.
Mentioning the incident, it said an unruly mob, mostly youths, stormed the camp of 5th IRB located at Chingarel Tejpur , Imphal East and snatched away several arms and ammunition leading to confrontation between the mob and the security forces involving exchange of fire at the spot.
In connection with the arms looting case, the government has recently suspended seven personnel of the same IRB unit.