Extra Judicial Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM) and Young Men’s Development Organisation, Heirangoithong observed the 38th anniversary of Heirangoithong Massacre at Heirangoithong Naoriya Pakhang Lakpa ground, Imphal West on March 14.
During the observation, an inquiry report of Heirangoithong Firing Inquiry Commission, 1985 reported by Y Ibotombi (late), MJS grade-1, District and Session Judge reported on June 15, 1985 was printed and released.
The inquiry report was reprinted by EEVFAM and Human Rights Alert and released.
In connection with the observation, EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam said that it has been 38 years since the incident occurred but investigation into the case was started after the Supreme Court direction. Following the direction, the CBI/SIT investigated the case, but the final report on the alleged fake encounter killing of 14 innocent civilians by CRPF personnel at Heirangoithong Volley Ground in March 1984 was submitted before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West.
Following the submission, the court issued notices to informants of FIR, victims’ families and Extra Judicial Execution Victims Families’ Association Manipur (EEVFAM), asking to file any objection regarding closure report.
The closure report mentioned that during the investigation no sufficient evidence has come on record to conclusively establish that on March 14, 1984, the suspected CRPF personnel were not on duty on HVG or nearby areas at the time of incident.
Investigation revealed that the extremists had simultaneously attacked most of the armed CRPF personnel, tried to snatch their arms, and in case of resistance, they also fired on CRPF personnel. And in the scuffle, most of the armed CRPF personnel got severe bullet injuries and even captain M Padiah expired.
Due to the passage of such a long time, after 38 years of investigation, many crucial witnesses have already passed away. Even some of the available witnesses are not able to recall all the facts about the incidents, stated the closure report.
During the Heirangoithong massacre, 14 people were killed and 31 were injured in the firing. An enquiry committee was formed under Y Ibotombi, district judge as commissioner of the committee on June, 25, 1984.
The protest petition has been filed before the court for reinvestigation, Renu said. A floral tribute paid to the victims of Heirangoithong Massacre, 1984.
During the observation function, advocate N Subhaschandra shared the status of fake encounter cases investigated by the CBI/SIT.
The observation was attended by advocate Anil Yendrembam, JNIMS associate professor, Yumnam Tomba and HRA executive director, Babloo Loitongbam.
