Condemning State's Brutal Muzzling Of Freedom Of Speech

Imphal, 25th July, 2014:

Human Rights Defenders silent protest condemning State muzzling of freedom of speech at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall :: July 25 2014

Joint Press Statement
By Human Rights Defenders In Manipur

Condemning The State's Brutal Muzzling Of The Freedoms Of Speech And Association In Manipur

Human rights defenders of Manipur take a collective stand to defend the protections provided to the fundamental freedoms of expression and association by Indian Constitution and the United Nation's Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Such freedoms are rights and they are not privileges. Therefore,, no privilege may trump such fundamental rights, be it privileges of law enforcement agencies, the executive, legislative or judicial arms of government. The privilege of sixty MLA cannot prevail over the basic and fundamental rights of the twenty seven lakh citizens of Manipur.

Human rights defenders from all sections of society in Manipur have these freedoms and have been exercising the rights enshrined in both the Indian Constitution and international human rights laws. All human rights defenders have full rights to freedom of expression of association and to assert the rights of the larger communities, the rights of students and their own set of rights. These rights are included in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Human Rights Defenders, 1998.

There are landmark cases in the Indian Supreme Court that have affirmed the nation's policy of allowing a free press and freedom of expression to every citizen. In India, citizens are free to criticize politics, politicians, bureaucracy and policies. Therefore, in a democratic society, every citizen has the right to critique and assert opinions on State functioning and policies and this is crucial in promoting a healthy and a vibrant democracy. Any state effort to muffle people's alternative voices and critiques is an affront to democracy and a practice of a despotic military rule.

The recent attack on human rights defenders and introduction of privilege motions against a human rights defender and media unit of Manipur for expressing opinions on human rights issues of Manipur, in particular the merciless torture and cruel and inhumane treatment perpetrated on young students for demanding ILPS in Manipur is very regrettable and reflects the precarious state of human rights in Manipur.

It is highly unfortunate that the Government of Manipur insisted on suppressing the democratic rights of all people, in particular the right to freedom of expression. Utter disregard and high insensitivity to the human rights of communities while emphasizing on the privilege on very few law and policy makers is very unfortunate.

Sidelining the genuine human rights issued raised, and the brutality unleashed op students by law enforcing agencies for asserting their democratic rights while focusing on a non-issue of privileges and rights of few elected members is highly condemnable. The efforts to subdue the rights of human rights defenders and media establishment only confirm the self-serving, undemocratic and despotic nature of the state.

Human Rights Defenders and organizations of Manipur urgently call for a revocation and withdrawal of the privilege motion against a human rights defender and a media organization on 24 July 2014. Further, release all students arbitrarily detained by the law enforcing agencies. Prosecute and punish all law enforcement officials involved in unleashing merciless brutality against young students.

Stop harassing and violating the human rights of all defenders of human rights. Respect and fully guarantee the right to freedom of expression and association of all human rights defenders and their organizations towards promotion and protection of human rights.

See a photo gallery on this protest here