Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 11 2009:
National Human Rights Commission has directed Manipur government to compensate Rs 50,000 to a journalist of the state who was beaten up by personnel of 3rd IRB personnel without any verification.
The NHRC directed the state government to pay the compensation in connection with a case taken up by the Manipur Human Rights Commission in 2002 .
In one of the instants of harassing journalists by the security forces occurred in January 2002, three IRB men duty near the by-lane to Old Thumbudong on the stretch of the NH-39 beaten up Hemanta Ningombam, a working journalist of Khongman Okram Chuthek.
He was staff reporter of Matamgi Yaikairol when the incident occurred but now he is the editor of the Manipuri edition of Hueiyen Lanpao.
The incident occurred when security was tightened up in connection with the general strike called by the undergrounds as part of boycott of country's Republic Day seven year back.
Some drunkard IRB personnel on duty near the Shyamashakhi Girls High School beaten up the journalist blue and black at about 9.30 pm of January 25 .
The victim journalist lodged a complaint with the Manipur Human Rights Commission.
The then member of the commission, Yambem Laba registered a case and investigated into the case.
The finding with the prima facie evidences was submitted to the National Human Rights Commission.
Due to lack of cooperation from the state police who delayed in providing investigation report in connection with the FIR case registered regarding the assault of scribe, the last long seven year has been remaining without taking up any action.
Later, NHRC directed the state government to take up appropriate action against the IRB personnel involved in the incident and pay a compensation amount of Rs 50,000 to the victim scribe, Hemanta Ningomba on November 20 this year.
In the followed up action to the directive, state additional secretary (home) M Yaiskul has asked the Imphal east DC to pay the compensation amount.
The amount is to be paid to Hemanta within one month from the date of issue of the order.