Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10:
The Zomi Human Rights Foundation (ZHRF) today observed the International Human rights day by organizing a function at VK Tawna College, Tedim Road here from 11 am.
A translated version of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act 1958 along with the Supreme Court's directives on the "dos and don'ts" on the act after the legality of the same was challenged by the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights in 1997 and 'Arrest Memo' (DK Basu v State of West Bengal) was released during today's function by T Langzathang Principal, Churachandpur college.
In his speech, Pu Langzathang lauded the pioneering role played by the ZHRF and said that the booklet he just released is the need of the hour as ignorance is the root cause of our own suffering.
He also urged the Foundation to work harder so as to enlighten the public on the law, rights and duties.
Use God as your shield and don't be afraid of the arms and guns, he said.
Lamkhanpau Tonsing, LLM, Advocate in the Guwahati High Court also delivered a speech on the topic: "AFSPA and Human Rights" where he came down heavily on the repressive nature of the Act.
He also observed that good governance is essential for human rights to be respected in a society.
Winners of essay competition conducted to mark the occasion were also given cash prizes during the function.
In the high school level competition on the topic: "Right to development in the context of tribals in Manipur", Lamthang, Class X of St.
Stephen English School, D Phailian and MR Hangsbntung, Class X of Children's Training Higher Secondary School, SA Road won the first and second prizes respectively.
In the graduate level competition on the topic: "Indigenous people and their existence in the context of the changing world/Globalisation", Thongkh-anhao of Bible Hill, Rengkai and Dongzakhai Tungnung of Churachandpur College were adjudged first and second respectively.