IMPHAL, April 19: Responding to the killing of a youth in police firing as a fall out rape case of a minor, the Officer-in-Charge of the Sekmai police station has been suspended said deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam during a press conference, held at his official residence this evening.
Speaking to media persons, Gaikhangam, terming the rape of the minor as unfortunate, said that the act should be vehemently condemned by all sections of the society.
Expressing his remorse on the death of one Tilak Paudel, who was killed in police firing while trying to control the angry protestors, he said that the loss could have been avoided had the police used less lethal tactics like water cannon, tear gas shell and Mock Bomb.
The deputy Chief Minister informed that an understanding has been reached between JAC members and the Government late this evening in a meeting with the Chief Minister. The meeting was also attended by Sekmai MLA Kh Devendro, Kangpokpi MLA Nemcha Kipgen and leaders of the Kanglathongbi area.
Gaikhangam further maintained that the suspension of the OC of Sekmai Police was one of the points brought up by the JAC during the meet.
According to Gaikhangam other demands put up by the JAC includes suspension of other police personnel involved in the firing incident, constituting a judicial enquiry for both the rape and firing incident and awarding punishment, compensation to both the victims family and to provide security to Gurkha community residing at Kanglatombi area.
With regards to the constitution of an enquiry, the government will order a magisterial inquiry or other High level inquiry in both the incidents and the probe is to be led by Police officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police.
Gaikhangam continued that with regards to the compensation, the government has assured to provide a suitable Government job to the next of kin of the deceased, Tilak Paudel and possible help to the rape victim’s family and other injured in the agitation.
At the same time, in response to the provision of security to the Gurkha community, he said the Government irrespective of caste, creed or religion has always been providing security to all the Section of society and will continue to do so.
After the negotiation the state government have appeal to claimed the dead body and also appeal to revoke the bandh enforce along the national Highway number 2 Imphal Dimapur.
Talkng to IFP over the phone, a member of the JAC informed that a public meeting will be held tomorrow at Kanglatombi at 10 am wherein the development of today’s meeting with the Government will be placed. The decision to revoke the bandh or claiming the lifeless body of the firing victim will adopted by the gathering.
