Dimapur, February 7 (MExN): The Nagaland government has extended the period of inquiry into the Pachaspura killings. Convenor of the High Power Enquiry Committee (HPEC), KN Chishi, Secretary Justice and Law, disclosed on February 7 that the period of investigation has been extended for another month. The HPEC was constituted on January 4 following the discovery of nine dead bodies at Pachaspura, Chumukedima on January 3. Chishi stated that the Committee sought more time from the government to complete the inquiry. He added, that it requires more time to delve further into the case and that the nature of the case entails the Committee to examine and record the statements of an unspecified number of people from Nagaland as well as Assam. The people examined thus far, included the kith and kin of the nine deceased. Chishi, however, chose not to comment on the progress of the case while stating, “Don’t want to dwell on speculations at this stage.” On the Rengma Naga Hills Protection Force claiming responsibility for the killings, as published in a Diphu-based newspaper, Chishi said that verification on the authenticity of the report is still pending.
