IMPHAL, December 27: `I did not shoot myself and why would I do that?` Village Defence Force personnel Chandam Ishworjit asked media persons at the Shija Hospital and Research Institute where he is recuperating after allegedly shooting himself with his service weapon while on duty at the Lamsang Police Station.
Chandam Ishworjit Singh, 23 son of C Indrakumar Singh of Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai, Imphal West was reported to have shot himself while on duty at the sentry post of the Lamsang Police Station on November 27 around 6:30 pm, although his family and the JAC formed in connection with the incident have claimed otherwise.
A small team of media persons visited Ishworjit today at the hospital. Although he is still bedridden, he had recovered considerably well and talked without much problem.
Rubbishing earlier reports of his trying to kill himself, Ishworjit said he was shot from behind as is evident from his injury.
He said he was talking with his wife when the incident happened.
Ishworjit said, the safety lock of his issued Self Loading Rifle which was loaded with five rounds was on and he had placed it at a corner of his post while he was speaking on his mobile.
He said he is recuperating at the moment and the doctors have also said that he will be ready for discharge very soon.
Such a speedy recovery as his would not be possible to someone who wanted to kill himself, Ishworjit said adding that he managed to stay alive with the support of his wife, parents, friends and locals.
`However, my family has no other option other than selling off our homestead to pay off the hospital expense which is about Rs 4 lakhs,` he added.
Meanwhile, supporters and members of the Sanjenbam Meira Paibi APunba Lup led residents of five neighbouring villages to stage a sit in protest in the locality against the alleged life attempt on the VDF and demanded the concerned authorities to find the truth in the case at the earliest.