CBI FILES FRESH FIRs IN MANIPUR KILLINGS

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered 11 more FIRs related to suspected extra-judicial killings in Manipur. The move follows the Supreme Court’s reprimand earlier this month over the agency’s failure to comply with its previous order for a time-bound probe into over 80 such deaths. In its January 16 order, the court had also directed the CBI Director to personally monitor the investigations and had posted the matter for further hearing on February 12. Among the fresh FIRs registered is one pertaining to the death of two persons, including one Seram Priyokumar, in June 2009. A case had been filed at Kakching police station under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Ten other deaths relating to a case filed in Manipur’s Nambol in November 2000 are also being investigated by the CBI.