Human Rights is 'Knowing and Struggling', says Babloo
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Kangpokpi, September 07 2014:
"Human Rights, in the simplest way, means 'Knowing and Struggling", said Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director, Human Rights Alert (HRA) during the one day workshop on International Humanitarian Law and Rights to Life organized by District Women Committee-United NGO Mission, Manipur Senapati District Network at District Council Hall, Kangpokpi on Friday.
Speaking as a resource person during the programme, Babloo stated there is no short cut in Human Rights.
'The grievance will make you struggle and the struggle will let you know your entitlements', opined Babloo while emphasizing the International Humanitarian Laws principles like Amelioration of sick and wounded, means and methods of warfare limited and protection of civilian population, etc.
Speaking on the issues of Chandel landmines, Babloo maintained that use of landmines on the part of state actors and non-state actors for one or the other reason has created serious problems and it is particularly sensitive because if you go and talk to one leader straight away the next day, the other party will subject you to interrogation.
But, nevertheless we are sending information so that they also read and understand the Geneva Convention and at least the leadership knows now that landmine is something that is banned internationally and something has to be done about it, added Babloo.
He continued that there are many international bodies that can provide clearance, but unfortunately the Government of India does not allow any foreign agencies to come and do mine clearance and added that the only agency who can assist in mine clearance in India as of now is Indian Army.
Babloo also pointed out that non-state actors are also a big question because from their point of view they assumed whatever they have done is for the cause of the nation so they still live in a world that they think everything is fair if they are doing for the cause of the nation but it is important to remind them that there are limit even though they work for the cause of the nation.
If they stubbornly denied to change and listen to it despite educating them then they would ultimate have to face the day of their trial, asserted the Executive Director while adding that if they (the non-state actors) would like to reclaim their moral high ground and if they claim that they are for a political movement on behalf of the people then they have to comply with the international humanitarian laws standard.
Regarding the discrimination of Northeasterners in the national capital, Babloo said that there is a fundamental problem with the way in which Indian states has defined minority and added that there is only two categories of minorities recognized by the Indian Constitution viz.
religious minority and linguistics minority.
But, in the UN Declaration there are more two categories of minority apart from religious and linguistics minority which is National Minority and ethnic minority, which India does not recognized.
Therefore, it is important on the part of the Indian Government to recognize national and ethnic minority for the safety of the North East people and live life with dignity like others do, Babloo asserted.
Apart from leaders of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills, Mother's Union, Kangpokpi AC, Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization, Kangpokpi Youth Union, Manipur Theological College, scores of general public also attended the workshop.
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