Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 02 2009:
Joining other organisations which have made vocal objection against the Government's decision to deploy Police Commandos and IRBs in the hill districts of Manipur, several civil organisations of Chandel district have demanded that the Government revoke its decision immediately.
In a joint memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the Chandel Naga Peoples' Organisation (CNPO), Naga Students' Union, Chandel (NSUC), Kuki Chiefs' Association Chandel and KSO Chandel district asserted that the Government's decision is uncalled for as there are enough Assam Rifles, Manipur Rifles and Manipur Police personnel in the hill districts.
Deployment of commandos and IRB in Chandel district will lead to human rights violation as is seen in the valley districts, they asserted.
Commandos and IRB personnel are better known for lootings, tortures and killings on mere suspicion rather than maintaining law and order, they alleged.
"Military activities does not just take place in the lands of indigenous people unless justified by a relevant public interest or otherwise agreed with or requested by the indigenous people concerned for protection of their rights".
"Therefore the Government's decision should be revoked with immediate effect as it would cause chaos and confusions which will in turn disturb the peaceful district of Chandel", they demanded.
They also cautioned that failure to pay heed to their appeal may constrain them to resort to all forms of agitation for which any eventuality would be the sole responsibility of the SPF Government.