International Human Rights Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10 2011: As observed all across the world, the International Human Rights Day was observed in the State too.

Together with observing the International Human Rights Day, the first foundation anniversary of Life Watch was also celebrated at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound today.

The function was graced by former president of All Manipur Bar Association Khaidem Mani as chief guest, Life Watch Manipur's chief administrator Angomcha Araba as functional president and International Human Rights Institute London Member Sarangthem Khoirenthaba and Gauhati High Court Advocate Thoudam Manihar as guests of honour.

A bulletin published by Life Watch was also released on the occasion.

Giving key-note address, Life Watch secretary general Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh said that December 10 is being observed as International Human Rights Day across the world every year with the objective of ensuring all the rights to all the people which were declared at the UN General Assembly held at Paris on December 10, 1948 .

Dignitaries at the observance of International Human Rights Day at Lamyanba Shanglen

Observing that human rights are being violated in different forms in Manipur, he said that the infamous AFSPA 1958 has been perpetually threatening the most fundamental rights of all the people of Manipur.

Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been battling against AFSPA for the last 11 years has not been given many rights entitled to a citizen.

"We are not yet citizens of a democratic country if one goes by the rights granted to our people.

As such, all the people need to join hands and struggle together irrespective of caste, race, religion and language in order to secure all the rights entitled to a free citizen", Rajesh stated.

On the other hand, the Women Action for Development (WAD) organised a 'sharing session' on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day in the training hall of Centre for Social Development, Palace Compound today.

The session was largely participated by young women whose husbands were killed by State and non-State actors or HIV/AIDS and who are victims of domestic violence.

The women narrated their harrowing experiences and shared them with their fellow victims.

They also deliberated on how to secure their rights and live with dignity.

The Sharmila Kanba Lup (Shakal) too observed the International Human Rights Day at Palace Compound with its convenors K Taruni and AK Janaki as presidium members.

Giving key-note address of the observance, Shakal co-convenor Soibam Momon said that the Government of India has been responsible for numerous cases of murder and rape committed by the Indian military in the North East region particularly Manipur under the immunity guaranteed by AFSPA.

Whereas Irom Sharmila has been fasting for the last 11 years against the draconian AFSPA, both the Centre and the State Government remain conspicuously unfazed.

Although AFSPA was repealed from some Assembly segments of Imphal after a sustained and spirited mass movement, Rabina and Sanjit were shot dead in the heart of Imphal city on July 29, 2009, Momon recalled.

Taking strong exception to the Government's adamant refusal to pay any heed to people's call to repeal AFSPA from all over the State, Momon declared that the Sharmila Kanba Lup would soon chalk out a new strategy of mass movement in support of Sharmila's crusade.

Aja daily Editor Valley Rose said that it demands a united struggle of both the hills and valley of Manipur to see that the draconian Act is repealed from all over Manipur.

Naharolgi Thoudang Editor Khoirom Loyalakpa questioned the reluctance of both the Centre and the State Government to observe the International Human Rights Day.

The International Human Rights Day was also observed at Centre for Human Right and Duties Education, Manipur University with Vice Chancellor Prof H Nandakumar as chief guest.

It was also observed at Royal Academy of Law, Oinam and Waikhom Mani Girls' College, Thoubal.