Imphal, February 17, 2010: A two member official delegate of the Kolkota-based British Deputy High Commission called on the Manipur Human Rights Commission Member RK Rajendra to get a first-hand knowledge on the latter's mode of functioning and related issues.

The British envoy officials comprising of the Commission's Deputy High Commissioner (Eastern india) Sanjoy Wadvani and Media Head (Eastern India) Manik De, had reportedly arrived to the State to specifically examine cases of human rights violation by the security forces.

Conveying that both the envoy officials, prior to leaving for Kolkata called on the MHRC member, RK Rajendra said he was consulted on functioning of the rights body to which problem of personnel inadequacy was highlighted.

According to Rajendra the envoy officials were apprised on the absence of personnel in the MHRC's section of research and training group, investigation group, core group and specialists.

He also said at present only 12 staff are handling affairs of the MHRC and apart from the Commission's privacy being invaded through phone tapping.

Rajendra reportedly conveyed anguish to the British Commission officials of State agencies keeping the rights body and its functioning under constant surveillance.

Apart from the official duo suggesting that the Central government be intimated of the MHRC woes with particular reference to the issues of phone tapping and surveillance, Sanjoy Wadvani and Manik De appreciated the MHRC activities, said Rajendra.

In response to queries regarding discipline of the State police force, the mHRC Member said he mentioned incidents of killing an MLA's escort commander by some personnel of the escort party, police personnel hitting an individual with rifle butt over an issue of contract squabble and commando personnel suspended in connection with the Khwairamband firing case threatening Commission members for investigating into the matter as some recent examples of police indiscipline.

When Rajendra's viewpoint was sought on the existing problem of insurgency, the MHRC Member is said to have evaded a direct response but nevertheless expressed that continuous bloodshed in the state is the most undesired event.

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