Militarisation of educational institutes : Human rights activists file complaint to MHRC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 02 2019: Eight human rights activists have filed a complaint/petition to the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) in connection with the rapid militarization of educational institutes in the State during the last few days.

Speaking to media persons at MHRC office at Lamphelpat today, its Acting Chairperson Khaidem Mani said that 8 prominent human right activists have filed a complaint/petition to the MHRC demanding immediate demilitarization of Modern College, Maharaja Bodhachandra College and DM University or to move the military personnel elsewhere.

Stating that the petitioners are CSCHR co-convenor Phulindro Konsam, COHR secretary Okram Nutan-kumar, EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam, Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitong-bam, Human Rights Defenders Manipur chairman Joy Chingakham, Reachout coordinator Onil Kshetrimayum, Life Watch Manipur secretary general Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh and United Peoples' Front (UPF) president W Second, Khaidem Mani continued that MHRC heard the petition today and considering the public importance of the case, MHRC decided to conduct a proceeding today itself.

The petitioners are demanding the MHRC to direct the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur to evacuate the military personnel away from the said educational institutes immediately.

The petitioners also demanded MHRC to take up necessary and appropriate legal actions against the Principal Secretary (Home) for milita-rization of the educational institutes.

The petitioners further demanded MHRC to direct all the District Magistrates concerned to revoke the militarization order immediately.

Khaidem Mani continued that after careful observation of the petition, MHRC has decided to register a case under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 .

He said that the body has also directed the Principal Secretary/Special Secretary (Home) Manipur or the concerned Department and all the District Magistrates to submit a reply by November 9 .

MHRC has also issued an interim order directing all the District Magistrates to revoke their order and make necessary arrangements to station the military personnel at alternative locations at the earliest, he said, adding that the copies of the proceeding and compliant petition have been sent to the respondents as well.

Khaidem Mani conveyed that MHRC will not remain silent if the Government or any Government authorities attempt to violate human rights and explained that even if no complaint is filed, MHRC will take up a suo moto case if the need arises.

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