Govt directed to compensate for wrongful arrests
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 15 2022: Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the state government to pay interim compensation of Rs 50,000 each to two victims who were wrongfully and illegally arrested by the police.

Addressing a press meet held at the Court Room of the Commission here on Friday, acting chairperson Khaidem Mani stated that the Commission is closely monitoring the issue of whether the 'Freedom of Expression' is present in Manipur, as has been discussed repeatedly amongst the people and on TV channels.

He then informed that a recent complaint was made to the Commission stating that one Yumkhaibam Bimol Meitei of Lilong Chajing was arrested by police on charges of being an overground worker of the proscribed KYKL, just because he shared his opinions during the election campaign of Yaiskul AC candidate Th Brinda.

When the Commission investigated the matter, no evidence was found that incriminated the victim as a worker of the outfit.

Thus, the Commission ordered the police to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the victim within 5 months, starting from July 5, for violating the human rights of the victim.

The government can collect the compensation amount from the police personnel involved in the illegal arrest.

Mani also mentioned another case wherein CADA Thoubal District Committee Secretary general Laishram Herojit alias Shintha of Heirok Part-II Mayai Leikai, was arrested on charges of being linked with the proscribed UNLF because he had objected to the release of Lukhosei Zou, who was arrested in a drug case.

Here too, MHRC found no evidence supporting the police's claims and as such, ordered for payment of an interim compensation of Rs 50,000 to Herojit alias Shintha within a month's time effective from July 14 .

The acting chairperson then lamented the government's apathy towards the Commission including the failure to appoint a secretary for MHRC till date.

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