Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 11:
As in other parts of the world, the International Human Rights Day with the theme �End Torture Now!� was observed at Ashram School, Luangmai-III, Noney of Tamenglong district with a day long public awareness session yesterday.
The observance was organised by Luangmai Village Authority in cooperation with the Rongmei Lu Phuam, Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE), All Tribal Students� Union Manipur, Naga Women�s Union Manipur and Naga Peoples� Movement for Human Rights.
The public awareness meeting was attended by P G Gaithougai, Village Chairman as chief guest and Rongmei Lu Pham president Mrs Panti Gonmei, as the moderator.
In the context of the reported recent extra-judicial execution, on 19 November 2005, of an entire family in Luangkhuijang Luangmei-II village by personnel of Assam Rifles the human rights awareness meeting was particularly significant as the public were tortured severely after an alleged encounter between armed cadres of a proscribed non-state group and the Assam Rifles, added a CORE statement while informing that such observance is the first occasion Human Rights Day was observed in a remote village of the district.
A minute's silence was observed in remembrance of those killed recently and expression of solidarity to suffering of persons tortured by Central and State security forces.
Aram Pamei (NWUM), Kinderson Pamei and Rita Boro (CORE), Sumitra Kamei (Kabui Mothers� Association), and Samson Remei (ATSUM) spoke on the understanding and significance of human rights, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, International human rights treaties, State obligations for the promotion and protection of human rights and the responsibilities of citizens.
More than 100 persons from about five surrounding villages participated in a public discussion.