Imphal, June 26 2009: The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and the Human Rights Initiative (HRI) today jointly organised a discussion on Torture as part of the observance of the "International Day in Support of Victims of Torture" at the state Guest House here.

Taking up adequate action by the State and Central governments in order to provide facility for early detection and management of mental health issue and compensate damages through various supports; Using advance scientific methodology for interrogation; Conducting proper medical examination for persons detained in custody by qualified doctor for every 48 hours; Imparting proper human rights training and psychological input to the army, paramilitary and police, were among the nine resolutions adopted today by participants of the discussion on Torture in Manipur and its Remedies.

Guided by the principles of UDHR, ICCPR and Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and realising the seriousness of the human rights situation in Manipur for over the last few decades; and acknowledging the need of the urgent initiative for preventing torture of any kind, the nine resolutions have been adopted, according to the organisers.

The participants of the discussion also recommended that the state government should pay due attention to enable the effective function of the MHRC, which needs initiation of cases on the basis of suo-motto.

The discussion also recommended that India should enact a domestic legal instrument in order to deal torture efficiently and should rectify Convention against Torture without further delay.

To bring about durable solution to the issue and overall social mental health problem, central and state governments should address the root causes, namely, armed conflict and to initiate Confidence Building Measures, ie, to repeal AFSPA and demilitarise the area to facilitate productive political dialogue, the discussion recommended.

The discussion further recommended that extending assistance and cooperation by NGOs, civil society organisations, and other volunteer groups for the materialisation of the recommendations; and to educate people by human rights commissions with volunteer organisations so as to enable the people fight torture and other human rights violations through judicial institutions.

The discussion programme was graced by Ng Nongyai, Member of MHRC and Dr RK Ranjan, chairperson of HRI as the chief guest and president respectively while it was moderated by Th Sudhir, former District and Session Judge, Manipur.

In his key-note address, Executive Director of HRI, Lc Jinine Meetei noted that torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, taking a terrible toll on millions of individuals and their families.

He said rape, blows to the soles of the feet, suffocation in water, burns, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, shaking and beating are the common forms of torture to break down an individual's personality.

"As terrible as the physical wounds are, the psychological and emotional scars are usually the most devastating and the most difficult to repair," Jinine Meetei observed.

Pointing out that the observance of the Day was in accordance with the UNGA in 1997 based on the recommendation of ECOSOC, Jinine said that the Day aims at the eradication of torture and effective functioning of 1984 Convention against Torture, Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment which came into force on June 26, 1987 .

Asserting that people of the state undergo frequent cruel and inhuman treatment, Lc Jinine said that the pain and suffering inflicted on the widows, children and families of the victims of extrajudicial execution and fear of military and police is a burning mental health problem in Manipur.

Among others, former CM and MLA Radhabinod Koijam, noted journalist RK Ranendrajit, Advocate Paikhomba, Additional District and Session Judge, Manipur West M Ibohal, Advocate Khaidem Mani, and Dr Lenin have spoke during the function.

Various NGOs' representatives, civil society organisations, rights activists, advocates and individuals have participated in the discussion programme.

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