Imphal, April 26 2010: Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has recommended to the Ministry of Law and Justice for inclusion of the words 'human rights' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution as well as for signing the Additional Protocol-II of the International Humanitarian Laws by India among others.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at his office chamber today, member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ng Nongyai said that recommendations which include inclusion of 'human rights' in the Preamble of Indian Constitution; issues related to healthy environment, sustainable development, etc as separate in the Articles of the Constitution as well as signing of the Additional ProtocolII of the International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Court have been adopted during a consultation programme held on April 12 .

The consultation programme on 'Human rights & Indian Constitution and Human Rights in armed conflict situation' was organised jointly by the MHRC and All Manipur Bar Association and participated by lawyers, professors, teachers, representatives of civil organisations, NGOs and social workers.

Explaining that under Section-12 (z) of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1913, State Human Rights Commission has been bestowed with the power to make recommendations, Nongyai said that MHRC has submitted the recommendations for inclusion of articles on human rights, healthy environment and sustainable development as well as for signing the Additional Protocol-II-1977 of International Humanitarian Law which relates to non-International armed conflict and International armed conflict and the International Criminal Court.

Stating that Manipur is an armed conflict State, Nongyai further observed that though the armed conflict is between the State actor and the non-State actors, the impact is being felt by the people.

This type of conflict falls under the International Armed Conflict of the Additional Protocol-II.

But the Government of India is yet to sign this protocol while maintaining that the armed conflicts taking place is Manipur and other parts of the country as just law and order problem.

Moreover, although justice, equality and fraternity have been recognised in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, human rights is yet to be recognised.

Since the Articles of the Constitution are framed on the basis of its Preamble, inclusion of human rights is essential for separate Constitutional Article on human rights, Nongyai said, adding that the copies of the recommendations would also be forwarded to the NHRC and other State Human Rights Commissions.

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