Date:07/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/07/stories/2006050704251000.htm

National

"Surrendered" youth refuses to recognise parents

Correspondent

DISBELIEF, AGONY: H. Jamini Devi, mother of a youth who was allegedly lured into surrendering to Assam Rifles, is in tears as her son refused to recognise her in a Chandel court on Saturday — Photo: PTI

IMPHAL: During the hearing of "fake surrender" case in the court of the chief judicial magistrate, Chandel, here on Saturday, a youth refused to recognise his parents. At this his mother fainted and she was hospitalised.

It is alleged that at least nine youths, masquerading as insurgents, were forced to surrender before Assam Rifles on promise of jobs.

On Saturday the last "surrenderee" was produced by 37 Assam Rifles in this court on the orders of the Imphal Bench of the Gauhati High Court.

When judge N.K. Sharma asked him to relax in his chamber as he appeared tired and agitated, the youth said he wanted to depose. He said he was a member of the United National Liberation Front.

When the judge asked him what his name was, he identified himself as Ngaraibam Momocha. He refused to acknowledge the identity of his parents, who had filed a habeas corpus petition, but said he knew them.

Discrepancy in name

When counsel produced a school identity card issued in the name of "Heikrujam Momocha," the judge said the photograph was that of the youth but the name was wrong.

As the case will continue for months, the court for the time being handed over custody of Momocha to Assam Rifles as per his wish.

On Friday, women hurled stones and abuses at Assam Rifles personnel in the court.

The women became restive after a "surrenderee," Taorem Hemanta, claimed that he was a member of the United National Liberation Front although his parents, in a habeas corpus petition, said he was a bus cleaner. The court already set free four "surrenderees."