Govt's negligence leads to MHRC's extinction
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 07, 2013:
Due to utter negligence of the State Government, Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has become a non-existence entity today, MLA L Ibomcha has exclaimed.
He was speaking as Chief Guest of a day-long "Consultation on Functioning of Manipur Human Rights Commission" held under the aegis of Human Rights Law Network at Classic Hotel here today.
MLA Ibomcha recalled that the process for establishment of MHRC was initiated in 1995 and it was commissioned in 1998.As there was no official building of its own, the Commission started its works by opening an office in the office building of the Family Court at Lamphelpat.
The existence of MHRC is a must as far as the rights of the people of the State is concerned.
However, with the State Government not concerned about its functioning, MHRC has remained defunct for the last three years.
If at all the government is honest enough to revive MHRC, money is not a matter at all.
The government has enough money, he maintained.
The MLA went on to point out that the Manipur Information Centre too has not been able to function properly as the post of Chairperson has not been appointed.
The Government needs to revive these commissions at the earliest for the welfare of the people, he said.
The Indian Government also needs to be well informed about the present issue on boundary fencing along Indo-Myanmar boundary in Moreh, he added.
Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director of Human Rights Alert also stated that with non-functioning of MHRC and Information Commission, the people of the State have nowhere to go to lodge their complaints.
Chaired by Khaidem Mani, Advocate of High Court of Manipur, the consultation was also attended by RK Rajendro and Yambem Laba, former members, MHRC as presidium members.
A book entitled "Rugged Road to Justice - a Social Audit of State Human Rights Commission in India" Volume-II was also released on the occasion.