Discussion on skull recovery

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
IMPHAL, January 9: An open discussion was held in Imphal yesterday on the recovery of skulls and human bones from the heart of the Imphal town. It is feared that these were bones of persons tortured to death and then buried. The speakers were of the view that the issue should not be taken lightly since it is a case of gross violation of human rights. They also decided not to permit further digging in the compound as they fear that other skulls may be destroyed to conceal the crime. Though the government had said that the case will be handed over to the CBI, it has not done any ground works in this regard. It is speculated the state government may be under some pressure since establishment of the identity of bodies of these bones may put the Indian government at an embarrassing situation.  Human rights activists say that these must be bones of some persons who are missing.