IMPHAL, July 21 ? Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said here today that the proceedings in the court of inquiry by Assam Rifles into the alleged custodial killing of 30-year-old Manorama Devi in Manipur would be completed by July 27. Expressing concern about the sentiments of the people of the State, Jaiswal, who arrived here yesterday to make an on-the-spot study of the situation, told mediapersons here that exemplary punishment would be awarded to those who were found guilty after submission of the report of the court of inquiry.
He said 3 Corps Commander Lt Gen Daljeet Singh and Assam Rifles Director-General Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh had assured him that the inquiry proceedings would be transparent and subject to public scrutiny. Assam Rifles had also said that they would extend full cooperation in the judicial inquiry ordered earlier by the State Government as well as to the police investigation into the case, Jaiswal added. Jaiswal emphasised the need for participation of the police in counter-insurgency operations undertaken by security forces under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
In case action was initiated against women insurgents, women police personnel should also be involved in the operations, he said, adding that instructions had earlier been issued to concerned authorities to issue arrest memo. He said instructions had also been issued to strictly follow rules regarding handing over to police custody of any arrested person. Jaiswal said the process of shifting of Assam Rifles from historic Kangla Fort in the heart of Imphal city would be completed by December 31.
Regarding withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from Manipur, the minister said the Act sought to facilitate counter-insurgency operations by conferring certain powers on the armed forces. He said grievances against the Act arose mainly from the alleged abuse of these powers. He added that the first objective was to provide comprehensive checks and balances to prevent such abuse.
He said the need for the continuance or otherwise of the Act in Manipur had been reviewed periodically and decisions taken after taking into consideration the prevailing situation from time to time. He said the Centre, in consultation with the State Government, would undertake such a review at the appropriate time keeping in view the security situation.