The clothing of the slain civilian, Mr. Lenminsang, which constitutes crucial material evidence of the alleged fake encounter on 16 June, was reportedly seized by personnel of the 5 Assam Rifles at Hengkot checkpost along the Churachandpur - Tipaimukh Road today at around 7:30 PM.
It is reported that individuals carrying the blood-stained clothes were intercepted, and the items were forcibly taken from them at the said checkpost.
This deeply troubling act raises serious concerns regarding the integrity, handling, and possible tampering of key evidence, the Kuki Students’ Organisation Churachandpur said in a statement released late this evening.
“The seizure of such critical material without transparency, documentation, or adherence to due process casts grave doubt on the conduct of the personnel involved.”
These developments strongly indicate a deliberate attempt to destroy or manipulate evidence. There is compelling reason to believe that personnel of the 21 Para unit were directly responsible for the killing of the civilian, and subsequently altered the scene by changing his clothing and placing an AK-47 rifle to falsely portray him as a militant.
Such actions constitute a gross violation of human rights and the rule of law, KSO Churachandpur said, demanding an immediate, impartial, and independent investigation to ensure accountability.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
