International Human Rights Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10: With rampant violation of human rights and forfeiting of indigenous peoples' rights serving as the focal points, the International Human Rights Day was observed today at different places.

Under the aegis of TIPS, the day was observed at the Royal Palace, Imphal with retired Judge C Upendro as chief guest.

Presenting a paper on 'Indigenous Peoples' Rights And Human Security' on the occasion, Ningthouja Lancha cautioned that while Manipur may become a developed State with the extension of rail line and improvisation of highways, the population of indigenous people would dwindle a reciprocal manner.

He stressed on the importance of a serious deliberation concerning the plot aimed at rendering indigenous peoples a minority in Manipur in the name of development.

Observing that the dwelling space for indigenous peoples has been shrinking day by day while some elements are scheming to take away several parts of Manipur, he noted that with numerous peoples from outside the State making their settlements in every nook and cranny of the State including Imphal, a large village for retired army personnel have been created in the place of origin where the Nambul river originated.

Even though the Loktak lake belongs to Manipur, the benefits are being reaped by NEEPCO.

More recently, under the unfounded promise of providing benefits by extracting oil, ONGC has been plotting to take over a large area of land belonging to Jiribam sub-division and Tamenglong district measuring about 10,000 sq Kms, asserted Lancha.

Observing that the ancestral land is the most basic feature for identification of a Nation, he called upon the people to seek for means to safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples and avert extinction of indigenous Manipuris.

Speaking as a resource person on the topic, 'Human Rights Situation In Manipur', advocate Angomcha Araba also addressed the gathering.

A picture of a prize winning entry of the painting competition held on the occassion of the International Human Rights Day

A painting competition was also organised at the same venue in connection with the International Human Rights Day.

The International Human Rights Day was also observed today by the Manipur Human Rights Commission at its premises at Lamphel Court complex.

In conjunction with the observation, MHRC's quarterly publication Newsletter was also released by the chief guest Justice WA Shishak, Chairperson of MHRC.

Speaking on the occasion, Ng Nongyai, member MHRC gave a brief sketch of the origin and evolution of human rights and stressed on the need of a mechanism with moral support and participation of lawyers, academicians etc to promote and safeguard human rights.

The International Human Rights Day observation at Wangoo Laipham High School ground was organised under the joint aegis of Human Rights Alert, Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation, Macha Leima Wangoo Branch and Wangoo Apunba Meira Paibi Organisation.

The participants also conveyed solidarity to persons rendered physically handicapped and mentally retarded on account of violence committed against them by observing two minutes' silence.

Addressing the gathering, executive director of HRA Babloo Loitongbam remarked that after the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union, the people of the State have been trampled upon and made to lead a hollow life without any hope for development or progress.

He alleged that this pathetic situation was a direct consequence of the unholy policies pursued by the Govt of India in Manipur which has its own two millennia old written history.

Asserting that the Govt of India's strategy to subdue truth with weapons would not last long, he observed that if all the people of the State are well aware of the rights entitled to them and their identity and origin, no force on earth could sway them away from the right path.

As such, the people of the State need to learn about their rights, duties and identity, Babloo noted.

Other speakers agreed that no society can be peaceful, developed or united where there is rampant violation of human rights and atrocities galore.

They emphasised on the inevitability to identify the true enemies of the people at such a critical situation of Manipur.

Only when the true enemies are identified and peace restored, the basic human rights and social security can be ensured to the people of Manipur, the speakers observed.

The International Human Rights Day was also observed at ST/SC Boys' Hostel, Adimjati complex, Chingmeirong under the aegis of UNESCO Club.