Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10:
Several bodies observed the International Human Rights Day throughout the State at premises of the respective organisations.
The day was jointly observed by Institute of Social Health Action and Development, Kwakeithel bazar and Nurses Assn of Manipur under 'Health and Human Rights' with Health and Family Welfare Minister L Nandakumar as the chief guest.
A blood donation camp was also organised as part of the observation wherein donors contributed 23 units of blood.
Speeches by invitees and resource persons on human rights and role of scouts marked the observance organised by Manipur State Scouts Union at its office premise today.
Contents of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was also read out and explained.
Extensive discussion and presentation of paper on the topics 'Human Rights and Law', 'Armed Conflict, Humanitarian Law and AFSPA in the present Context of Manipur' and 'Human Rights: Claims for the Victims, Torture and Degrading Treatment' was held at the premises of Royal Academy of Law, Oinam to observe International Human Rights Day.
Around 500 persons attended the observation while a number of Ministers, MLAs, resource persons and representatives of NGOs spoke at length on relevant issues.
At the Maharajah of Manipur's palace innocent victims who fell prey due to imposition of inhuman laws and other factors were remembered as part of the observation.
Speakers at the solemn function stressed on fostering unity and preserve human rights at any cost.
The NSS Unit-I and II of Waikhom Mani Girls' College, Thoubal also observed International Human Rights Day, 2004 at the college hall today.
Selection Grade Lecturer, Economics Department O Ibo-hanbi Singh and Principal in-charge O Ibeton Devi were chief guest and president respectively.
On the other hand, discrimination of the working class by employers were reflected during the observance organised by INTUC at the Keishampat office of Manipur Electricity Employees' Union.
While speakers at the observation highlighted on rapid decline of people's rights and suppression of the working class the abduction of three PHED employees also came under severe criticism terming the act as direct form of human rights abuse.