Indian police 'killed rebel chief'

Subir Bhaumik
BBC correspondent in Calcutta

Eyewitnesses and human rights groups in India's north-eastern state of Manipur have accused the police of the summary killing of a rebel leader.

The state's Committee on Human Rights says it is the first time witnesses have come forward to give evidence of extra-judicial killings.

Sanjib Singh, publicity secretary of the outlawed Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF), was shot dead last week.

The police claimed he was shot when he jumped from a jeep while under arrest and tried to run away.

However, the two witnesses told a different story at a press conference organised by the rights committee.

Body dumped

Oinam Dilip and Inaoba Singh said they were travelling to state capital Imphal on 6 July when they gave a man a lift.

When their car was stopped at a checkpoint, the police recognised Sanjib Singh and took him away.

The two witnesses were also taken for questioning.

They said that as they headed for the police station they heard gunshots and were later told the rebel leader had escaped.

But the next day, Sanjib Singh's body was recovered from the Nambul river.

Committee on Human Rights president N Pradeshi said many such incidents had taken place in Manipur but this was the first time witnesses had come forward.

Last month, the RPF secretary Lalhaba Singh was found dead in similar circumstances.

The RPF said he was shot dead after he had been captured in a gun battle.

The RPF is one of three rebel groups that has joined up to form the Manipur Peoples Liberation Front, fighting for independence from India.