No restriction on April 13 floral tribute at Cheiraoching: Manipur HC

IMPHAL, April 10: A ruling of the Manipur high court conveyed that the floral tribute  at the RPF/PLA memorial on Cheiraoching of Chingmeirong under Lamphel police station of Imphal West on April 13 as in the past should not be banned.

The ruling came in the wake of an appeal made by the family members of 8 deceased RPF/PLA cadres to the Manipur High Court seeking permission to pay floral tributes as in the previous years and praying that no restrictions be imposed.

Eight deceased cadres are Late Khundrakpam Chaoba alias Rajendra Meitei son of Khundrakpam Ongbi Rebati Devi (77) of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, M Geetkumar Singh brother of Moirangthem Premkumar Singh of Sagolband Tera Sapam Leikai, Naorem Rajen Meitei son of Naorem Ongbi Pishak Devi (72) of Singjamei Naorem Leikai, Late Thoudamm Loken Meitei son of Thoudam Ongbi Kundali Devi (75) of Singjamei Naorem Leikai, Thoudam Mangoljao Singh brother of late Thoudam Kunjabihari Meitei of Singjamei Naorem Leikai, Maibam Tomba Singh brother of late Maibam Paka alias Chaothoi Singh of Heirok Part – II Litan Makhong, Late  Sorokhaibam Kameshwor alias  Kanta, mother of  S Jamini Devi of Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai  and late RK Khoiromba alias Gyane mother of RK Keinahanbi Devi (70) of Moreh Heinoumakhong.

Justice N Kotiswar Singh issued the order not to impose any restriction/ban on paying the floral tribute at the tomb by petitioners of the case, their relatives, bonafide well – wishers and their friends located on Cheiraoching following the hearing of writ petition (C) No. 241 of 2013 admitted by the Court.

The order of the Court was given to Principal Secretary (Home), District Magistrate/Imphal West, Superintendent of Police/ Imphal West and Officer-in-Charge, Lamphel police station.

It may be mentioned that  nine RPF/PLA cadres were killed in an encounter with a column of the  Army at Kudompokpi on April 13, 1982. The petition for permission to offer  floral have been filed ever since 2001. In 2011, strong pressure was applied on the family members of the nine deceased while offering their tributes but if such an actions is to happen this time, contempt of court will be served, said sources.