Hopson admits to Kishan murder : JAC

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IMPHAL, June 13: The JAC formed against the brutal killing of Kasom Khullen SDO Kishan and his two associates today announced that there has been visible positive development in the CBI case regarding the triple murder case by NSCN (IM) cadres.

The announcement was made by the JAC president Soram Tikendrajit during a press conference today at the Manipur Press Club.

Elaborating on the course of development in the case, the president said that Metropolitan Magistrate, Tis Hajari Court, Delhi Shelly Arora has submitted the recorded confessional statement of main accused NSCN (IM) lt colonel Hopson Ningshen to the Special Judge Patiala House Court, Delhi.

Hopeson, who is presently languishing in Tihar jail regarding the case had willingly gave his statement to the Metropolitan magistrate on June 14, 2009, he said.

He further elaborated that during the course of the case which had started since January 31, 2011 at the CBI, Patiala Court, Delhi a total of 37 witnesses have given their statements in 57 sittings.

Citing that the defence counsel is yet to present its witnesses, even though the prosecution counsel has already presented most of its witnesses, the JAC president said a final decision on the case might take some more time.

The next hearings of the triple murder case will be held on July 5, July 17 and July 18.

Senior public prosecutor of CBI, AK Singh is standing for CBI, whereas advocate Pancholi is standing on behalf of the accused Hopson Ningshen as defense counsel while the victim family is represented by Supreme Court advocate Colin.

Further briefing the media persons, the JAC president said incase the CBI court fails to bring a proper decision to the case, the JAC will file a contempt of Court with the Supreme Court and pursue justice in the case.

JAC convenor, Y Kapur Singh while speaking at the press conference lamented the inability of the government to arrest the two co-accused in the murder case.

He continued that even though the Supreme Court while transferring the case to the CBI, New Delhi had also directed both the CBI and the government of Manipur to render full assistance to the victims legal heirs in the matter of legal representation by way of engaging advocate of their choice, the family is still bearing all expenses regarding the fees of Advocate Colin.

He also said that the case filed with the Guwahati High Court by the slain SDO Kishan’s father against the then Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Pal is also in its final stage.

The development is possible only with the vast support received from the general public of the state, he said.

He also expressed the JAC’s believe that the general public will continue to support the fight for justice.

The JAC has been collaborating with the state government to construct a memorial complex of the three at Uripok Machin near Chierap Court where a Memorial Stone of the three is presently standing.

The construction process has already been initiated with the concern architectures already starting their planning of the complex.