Human Rights Day observed across the state
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 10 2011: As in other parts of the globe, International Human Rights Day was observed in different parts of the state today.

Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University observed International Human Rights Day at the hall of the University today with Vice Chancellor Pro H Nandakumar Sharma as Chief Guest, Co-ordinator of the Centre Dr M Sureshkumar Singh as President and Dean of Students' Welfare of the University Prof Th Ratankumar Singh and Prof Smaw Chisti of Department of Political Science, MU as Guests of Honour.

At the Sana Konung ground, the observance was held under the aegis of Sharmila Kanba Lup.

Participating in the observance as one of the resource persons, Advocate P Tomcha called for collective understanding and movement for ensuring human rights to the people of Manipur.

He pointed out that incidents of human rights violation have become a daily affair in Manipur so much so that people do not even have access to basic requirements of life like food and water.

But, there is none to listen to the complaints of the people.

A woman speaking in the sharing session in Relation with International Human Rights Day 2011 at Palace Compound

He went on to assert that the existing political system in Manipur has failed completely and the Opposition has not been able to say or do anything despite the public being subjected to various atrocities under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Editor of Naharolgi Thoudang daily Loyalakpa contended that prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act has not been able to solve the problem of insurgency in Manipur.

It is unfortunate that such a draconian Act is being imposed for such a long time in Manipur and the government has shut its ears to the cries of the people for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Advocate Md Ramizuddin, another resource person, observed that there is need to bring the struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila against prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Act, to the attention of the people all over the world.

Among the presidium members who spoke on the occasion, Convenor of Sharmila Kanba Lup AK Janaki maintained that the existing political system has had adverse impact on the socio-economic condition of the state.

There is the need for sustained struggle to ensure lifting of Disturbed Area status and elect public representatives who can raise their voices and work towards this end.

Another Convenor of Sharmila Kanba Lup K Taruni was also present and spoke as one of the presidium members of the observance function.

Earlier, delivering the key note address, Momon Leima of Sharmila Kanba Lup pointed out that Irom Chanu Sharmila has been fasting for more than 11 years and Sharmila Kanba Lup has been carrying forward relay hunger strike for 3 years, but the government has not taken any steps to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Speaking at the Human Rights Day observation organised by Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University, Dr Sureshkumar noted that instances of human rights violations, both by the state and the non-state actors, in an armed conflict state like Manipur is not a new thing.

In such a situation, if the government does not take up necessary measures to stop recurrence of human rights violations, Manipur may soon become a hostile place to live in.

He also suggested that recurrence of human rights violations may be curbed if the people were given basic legal knowledge.

Meanwhile, Manipur State Legal Services Authority observed International Human Rights Day at Cheirap Court complex, Uripok here today.

Speaking as Chairman of the observance, Executive Chairman of Manipur State Legal Services Authority and Judge of Gauhati High Court T Nandakumar said that International Human Rights Day is an important day for all of us and it should be our collective duty to protect our human rights.

In his address as Guest of Honour of the function, Retired Judge of Gauhati High Court Maibam Binoykumar pointed out that the concept of human rights violation is ever changing and expanding in Manipur.

As part of the observance, Retired Additional DGP A Romenkumar, Advocate Khaidem Mani and Advocate Tejkumar spoke as resource persons on the topics of 'Role of police in the society', 'Human rights in the conflict situation' and 'Role of civil societies in the protection of human rights' respectively.

The International Human Rights Day was also observed under the aegis of Life Watch Manipur at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound here.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, Advocate Khaidem Mani asserted that imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in a democratic country is unreasonable.

The government in a democratic country should protect the rights of the people and not violate the rights.

Delivering the key note address, Secretary General of Life Watch Manipur Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh exhorted the people, irrespective of caste and creed, to join in the movement for protection of human rights.

Chief Administrator of Life Watch Manipur Advocate Angomcha Araba presided over the observance function which was also attended by Commandant of 2nd MR and Member of Sarangthem Khoiranthaba and Advocate of Gauhati High Court Thoudam Manihar Singh as Guests of Honour.