Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 12:
The Zomi Human Rights Foundation (ZHRF), a Lamka based rights body today issued a press note making its stand on the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act 1958 clear as the Review Committee apparently wrestle with the inputs it received from the people after their recent visit to the State.
The rights body said that it had met the Review Committee on Dec 29 at Imphal where its proposals were laid out for consideration.
In its release today, the ZHRF stated that the first proposal it had submitted to the Committee is for the review of the Act in its entirety from the entire Northeast region and takes Strong exception to Section 4 (a), (c) and (d) and Section 6 of the Act relating to the power given to a commissioned officer, warrant officer and non-commissioned officer to open fire even to the cause of death, based solely on his own opinion of its necessity; the power of arresting suspects on mere suspicion; the power to search property without warrant on suspicion at the discretion of the officer concerned and the blanket protection granted to such officers for their acts.
It demanded the doing away of these sweeping powers and said that the 'rule of law' must be recognised and given its place under the Act.
The Foundation also demanded incorporation of 'Dos and Don'ts' laid down by the Supreme Court in the NPMHR vs UOI case into the Act and a penalty clause for erring officers.
It also demands a grievances redressal forum be constituted under the Act, to be headed by a retired judge of the High Court to address complaints of excesses by the security forces immediately.
Cherancmai to grace SSPP B'day: The Siamsinpawlpi (SSPP), a Paite Students.
Association general headquarters will celebrate its 58th foundation day cum meritorious awards distribution function at YPA Hall, Upper Lamka from 11 am onwards tomorrow.
While Mani Cheranemai MP (outer Manipur) will be the chief guest of the function, N Songchinkhup, Chairman HAC, Brig RK Sharma, 59th Mtn Division and H Nengsong, president PTC will grace the occasion as guest of honour, special guest and chief host respectively.
During the function tomorrow, 26 persons who excel in their respective trades will be felicitated with meritorious prizes by the students' organization.