MHRC, MIC rendered toothless
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2017:
Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has been lying defunct for the last seven years in the absence of Chairman and Members whose terms have ended.
Likewise, Manipur Information Commission (MIC) which acts as a catalyst to RTI that mandate timely response to citizens' requests for Government information is also on the verge of going defunct as there has been no appointment of its State Information Commissioner.
According to sources, Manipur Human Rights Commission established in 1998 was instrumental in addressing cases of human rights violation following the imposition of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in the State from 1980 and announcement of the State as a conflict zone.
Many victims used to approach the Commission instead of Court to seek justice when atrocities were committed against them by security personnel.
However, the Commission has been lying de- funct since May 10, 2010 after its Chairperson and Members retired. As per the rule, Chairperson of the Commission should be a retired Judge of High Court while its Members should be either Judge of High Court or human rights activist. With the Commission lying defunct, National Human Rights Commission has stopped referring cases related to human rights violation in the State to it.
Notably, former Chief Minister O Ibobi had assured the State Legislative Assembly that the Commission will be re- vived.
In this regard, High Court of Manipur had summoned Chief Secretary O Nabakishore who pleaded the Court to give 3 months to do so.
On the other hand, due to the non-appointment of State Information Commissioner, Manipur Information Commis- sion has been rendered a toothless body.
Currently former Project Director of Loktak Development Authority, Th Ibobi is the Chief Information Commissioner of the State.
There are four State Information Commissioners each in the neighbouring North East States including Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.