Army chief 'seeks Manipur truth'

Manorama's bullet-riddled body was found by a roadside

India's army chief has said he intends to establish the facts surrounding the alleged rape and murder of a woman held by soldiers in Manipur in July.

General N C Vij, speaking on a visit to the north-eastern state, said the 33 soldiers involved in the woman's detention had been given DNA tests.

He said any soldier found guilty would be punished according to Indian law.

At the time, officials said the woman, Thangiam Manorama, was involved with rebels fighting against Indian rule.

Her death provoked has widespread protests against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act which gives the security forces sweeping powers to tackle separatists.