Imphal, April 13 2009: The Human Rights Initiative appeals all concerned groups for respecting International Human Rights Law and binding of the International Humanitarian Law in the ongoing Loktak Operation launched by the combined forces of Imphal West and Bishnupur districts police commandos, troops of 12MLI, 4/8 Gorkha Rifles and 7 Assam Rifles.

A press statement issued by the Executive Director of Human Rights Initiative (HRI), Lc.

Jinine Meetei said that in such a situations either government forces or armed opposition groups should respect and act according to established law, viz, right to life, codified in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention (International Humanitarian Law) and other provisions of the International Humanitarian Law.

The fundamental rights of the civilians/nearby villagers should be protected, Lc Jinine Meetei noted while advocating the non occurrence of the rights violation like using as human shield, forced labour etc.

It further cautions that the life of Sangai should not be affected by such operation.