Rights asserted on International Human Rights Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2016:
The Working Committee of the Apunba Lup observed International Human Rights Day today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Gate.
Apunba Lup co-ordinator Phulindro Konsam, Dr Arambam Lokendro, National Awardee Ibotombi Khuman and Apunba Lup coordinator Joy Chingkham took part in the event.
Speaking at the event UCM president Johnson Elangbam said, "AFSPA is a political issue.
If the State Government cares for the people, then they can repeal Manipur's disturb area status during the coming State Assembly.
Let's see what the Central Government's agenda is and whether or not, unlike Nagaland's case, they forcefully try to declare Manipur a disturbed area" .
He pointed that many security personnel guilty of murder and crimes still remain scot free due to AFSPA, and even though the misuse of power has decreased compared to the past, strict actions should be taken against those involved.
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PANDAM president Y Dilipkumar said,"The people of the State have always endorsed democratic forms of agitation but the extreme response of the security force to such demonstrations has often led to extreme retaliation from the public.
In a democracy, we ought to get our rights" .
Dhanabir Laishram said that people living under AFSPA could be considered the lowest citizen in the world.
"Even though the United Nations exists, it is powerless when countries misuse their power and deny human rights to its citizen", he said.
Alleging that some organisations are profiting in the name of Human Rights in the State, he said that working at an office in front of a laptop would not be able to show the true picture of the whole issue and can only be understood when one actively joins the movement.
The case of Manipur Human Rights Commission fading away shows that the State Government does not respect the rights of the people, he alleged.
International Human Rights Day was also observed by Campaign For Social Upliftment (CSU) Kangleipak at Jiribam, today.
H Dhananjoy (SDC Jiribam), Th Mangi Singh (Advisor, CSU, Kangleipak), Ch Sonamani Singh (Deputy Inspector of School, ZEO, Jiribam), S Maniton Singh (retd Principal, Jiribam High School) and Th Bibi Singh (ex-president, AMESTA) attended the function as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
M Bimola Devi, general secretary of CSU, giving the welcome address stated the three most important rights are Human Rights, Right to life and Right to liberty and security.
Advocate Sukham Premjit delivered a speech entitled International Human Rights day and its impact and Nameirakpam Brajakanta (Assistant Professor, LMS Law College) delivered a speech on status of Human Rights in Manipur.
Among the invitees , Th Sarat Kumar, advisor of All Jiribam Working Journalists' Union, Jiribam stated that Human Rights should be learned from schools.