IMPHAL, July 16 ? In the wake of large-scale protests over the killing of a woman allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel, Manipur Government has asked the Centre to ensure that central forces do not commit human rights violations in the State, an official statement has said. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh informed an emergency meeting of the Cabinet that he had taken up the killing of Manorama Devi with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and suggested ?appropriate affirmative action to restore public confidence?.
Singh also suggested to the Centre to issue appropriate directions to prevent instances of human rights violations by the central forces in future, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Assam Rifles authorities have ordered a court of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances under which Manorama Devi was killed by the troops of 17th Assam Rifles on the night of July 10. The emergency cabinet meeting on Thursday reviewed the overall law and order situation arising out of the killing of Manorama Devi. The Cabinet resolved to expedite the completion judicial inquiry to find out the facts and circumstances that led to the death of the woman.
While acknowledging the strong emotional sentiments evoked by the killing, the Government appealed to the people to express their grief and public protest in a peaceful manner.