CM vows to shift ‘torture chamber’ from Kangla

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 13

The chief minister Nongthongbam Biren Singh today announced that the joint interrogation cell at Kangla Fort will be shifted out, so as to to maintain sanctity of the fort. He was making this announcement while addressing the Patriots’ Day function at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

“The joint interrogation cell is being shifted from Kangla fort to another place as per the wishes of the people. This is to maintain sanctity of the fort and I don’t want to hear cries,” Biren said.

The joint interrogation cell was opened inside Kangla fort when the Assam Rifles was headquartered here. The Assam Rifles was remov ed from Kangla in 2004. After the Assam Rifles left the place the joint interrogation cell continued to exist.

However Biren did not give any hint where the joint interrogation cell will be opened.

He reiterated that the “Nongpokthong” which is an important gateway according to “Puya” will also be installed in the campus area of Kangla. Study of maps and the process will be started soon, he added.

He also warned civil organisations or any individuals not to pollute the minds and thinking of the public with vested interests and disturb the harmony between the people of various indigenous groups. It will only create misunderstandings, he added.

He also requested the general public especially the student community to focus on studies rather than just beating around the bush and going for strikes and bandhs. He made a big appeal that a solution be achieved through dialogue rather than violence.

Patriots ‘Day is observed to pay respect and honour to the martyrs of the 1891 war between the Manipuris and Britishers. Twenty two leaders including Maharaja Kulachandra were exiled for life and five were hanged to death on this day and the other five were hanged to death on different dates on the false charge of waging war against the British Empire.

The governor of the state Najma Heptullah, during the occasion said that series of battles in 1891 showed the courage of the Manipuris who fought against the strongest force of the then world and it showed that freedom is more important than their lives.

In the present situation of the state facing many problems, she commented that “we should amicably resolve all our differences to make our state strong rather than harping on our differences.  

Bandh culture, economic blockades etc at the drop of a hat even for minor incidents has harmed the pace of development in the state and such acts need to be avoided. The administration and the population must go hand in hand to ensure that divisive forces do not have an upper hand and that peace is the hallmark of the state, she remarked.

Floral tributes were paid by the state officials at Shaheed Minar, Kangla western gate before the main function at BT Park.

Prestigious award of Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty were given to five police personnel each during the function.

1) Kh. Henery Singh, SI of CDO unit IE, 2) Thangkhochon Haokip, MPS, Dy. SP (Ops) Imphal West, 3) Micro Wahengbam, Hav.No. 2nd MR attached with CDO Unit/IE, 4) P. Achouba Meetei, inspector, OC-CDO/IW and 5) L. Rocky Singh, SI of CDO unit Thoubal were conferred Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry.

For the Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty, 1)Thahgen Khaikhojam, JC No.584, Subedar,1st IRB, 2) S. Joychandra Meetei, head constable, IW, 3) Y. Robindro Singh, head constable, Bishnupur 4) Ng. Sanakhomba Singh, head constable, IW and 5) K. Ranjit Singh, inspector of police, narcotic cell, IW were named.