Demands on Meghen's status intensify
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2010: People of Yaiskul AC staged a sit-in-protest today in denunciation of the silence maintained both by the Central and State Governments on the whereabouts of UNLF Chairman RK Meghen alias Sanayaima.

The protest demonstration organised jointly by youth and women bodies of Yaiskul areas was staged at the Hicham Yaicham Martyrs' Memorial Park at Yaiskul Janmasthan and lasted from about 10 am till 4 pm.

The protestors put up banners decrying alleged involuntary disappearance of individuals inspite of India claiming to be the largest democracy; demanding protection of meghen under humanitarian and international laws; calls for respecting humanitarian laws; denouncing abuse of humanitarian laws; to reveal physical and mental status of RK Meghen; and demanding official confirmation on his whereabouts were put on display at the protest site.

Dharna protesting Meghen's status

Speaking to some newspersons on the sideline of the protest, a woman participant, who is from the same locality where RK meghen hails from, expressed strong resentment that inspite of reported arrest of RK Meghen more than 40 days ago, neither the Centre nor the State Government could confirm whereabouts of the UNLF chief.

Insisting that such apathetic attitude of the Government could not be tolerated, she opined that both the Centre and the State Government should intimate the matter to Government of Bangladesh for clarity on the status of Meghen.

The women activist also expressed concern that inspite of an assurance by none other than the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram during his visit to Manipur on October 23 for an official confirmation from the Bangladesh Government on Meghen's arrest the issue is yet to be addressed.

Under the Geneva Convention arrest of any citizen should be made official failing which it tantamount to forced disappearances, she maintained while expressing fear that if a well-known figure like Meghen could be detained without any information it would be unimaginable for an ordinary citizen to feel secured.

She also cautioned the Government to act in a positive manner without any further delay for more intense agitation on the issue cannot be ruled out.