Bold and Fearless Testimonies Leads to Final Judgement - Niranjan Baruah

Fake Dangori encounter case

Our Correspondent

TINSUKIA: Following conviction of seven Army personnel in the 24-year old fake Dangori encounter case in Tinsukia district, the proceedings of which lasted for 18 years in both CBI Court vide FIR no RC-4/S/2000-CAL and Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of India Army, the family members of the slain innocent youths, besides AASU activists, rejoiced. There were still others whose firm stand and fearless commitment must be reckoned with.

The foremost being Niranjan Baruah, currently Deputy Commissioner of Kokrajhar who was the then Circle Officer of Doomdooma and carried out inquests on the five slain youths- Probin Sonowal, Pradip Dutta, Debajit Biswas, Akhil Sonowal and Bhaben Moran. Talking to The Sentinel over the phone from Kokrajhar, Baruah said since the inquiry began he appeared before CBI several times and lately before SGCM in Laipuli and Dinjan Army camps and stood firm on his reports without any dilution. Such brave officers deserve accolades for fighting against all odds of government machinery. Baruah expressed satisfaction after pronouncement of judgement by the SGCM on Saturday in which three officers, including a Major General and four non-commissioned officers, were awarded life sentences.

The Dholla-based 18 Punjab Regiment under 2 Mountain Division picked up nine innocent youths between February 17 to February 19, 1994, from Doomdooma circle following the killing of Rameshwar Singh, general manager of AFT Company by ULFA militants. The Army perpetrated brutal torture on five youths and later killed them in the nearby Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and released four others- Maleswar Moran, Gunin Hazarika, Prakash Sarma and Manoranjan Das (now dead) in different locations. The three survivors since then had been subjected to mental harassment by the Army. They being the only witnesses of gruesome murders, the Army used to frequent their residences and made their life miserable. Always frightened, they only desired that justice is bestowed on them. They were summoned before the SGCM on different dates and appeared in the court fearlessly. Their bold testimonies along with other supporting pieces of evidence led to the final judgement.

Gunin Hazarika, one of the witnesses and resident of Rupai, told this correspondent that they are still apprehensive of future harassment at the hands of the Army and desire that the Army should extend a gesture of assurances and suitable compensation so that they can lead a peaceful life.