'One should complain against rights violation'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 17 2013 :
Instead of remaining silent, one should have the habit and courage to complain against human rights violation, Wahengbam Joykumar, Executive Director, Human Rights Initiatives, has exhorted.
Addressing a press meet at the office of HRI near Wangkhei Thangapat today, Joykumar said that the implementation of RTI has brought many changes in the state.
Besides, the Parliament will soon pass the Grievances Relation Bill 2011 which will give more power to the people in seeking justice.
As soon as the Bill is passed, a Grievances Redressal Commission would have to be established in the state.
According to the Bill, the Commission will acknowledge any complaint made against any form of rights violation and will dispose off the case by taking up adequate necessary actions within 30 days.
Recently, a complaint was lodged to the Ministry of Home Affairs alleging that Assam Rifles have been occupying the temple of Nongpok Ningthou and Ima Panthoibi and Primary Health Sub Centre at Kwatha village.
Since 1998-99, Assam Rifles have been occupying the abode of Umanglai of Kwatha village as their camp and the PHSC as their residential quarters.
The Assam Rifles personnel allow the villagers to enter the temple complex and the abode of Umanglai only after frisking.
Moreover, occupying the PHSC amounts to violating the rights of the villagers to have access to health care facilities, he noted.
In order to ensure the rights of the villagers, HRI filed a complaint with Ministry of Home Affairs on February 28.Following the complaint, Assam Rifles has shifted their camp.
Although has been no reply or any information from the Union Ministry in this regard, he said.
If the Union Ministry failed to address the inconveniences being faced by the villagers of Kwatha at the earliest, HRI will lodge another complaint to the National Commission for Schedule Caste, Joykumar added.