Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 13 2009:
Expressing serious concern over State Cabinet's decision to fan out IRB personnel and police commandos to Senapati and Ukhrul districts, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights demanded the State Government to revoke the decision immediately.
A press statement issued by its Convenor S Phamhring urged the State Government to sincerely focus attention on addressing the socio-economic and cultural inequalities faced by the people living in the hills.
Demanding the Government to involve the hill people in every process that involves their future and fate, NPMHR (South) urged the hill districts to unitedly and strongly stand up against the Cabinet decision.
The statement pointed out that the conduct of IRB and police commandos seriously put their role as peace-keepers in doubt and one does not encourage any confidence.
Instead of upholding the law, they themselves are responsible for a number of extra-judicial killings and fake encounters over the years, the statement alleged.
It further asked why a number of innocent non-Manipuris are being killed every other day despite the presence of IRB and police commandos in every nook and crannies of Imphal.
Has their presence reduced the number of criminal incidents in any way and do they brook confidence as effective peace-keepers in Imphal valley, it asked.
NHPR pointed out that the problems faced by the people of hills do not require any military personnel but a well thought strategies and policies.