Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 22:
Joining the widespread condemnations over the custodial killing of Th manorama Devi, Civil Liberties and Human Rights organisation, Thangal Bazar stressed that the time has come for an unconditional political dialogue between the Government and various undergound outfits operating in Manipur to curtail violation of human rights and atrocities committed by the security force personnel under the immunity of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 enforced in the State since 1980.The present SPF Govt and its predecessors should have mustered enough political guts to urgently create a conducive atmosphere, put in sincere and sustained efforts towards solving the insurgency related problems instead of hankering after power only, observed the right body in a press statement released today.
Among others Clahro mooted declaration of unilateral ceasefire for longer periods and frequently while at the same time strengthening State forces to preserve law and order; partial lifting of Disturbed Area status; granting of free passage to militants on special festive occasions as well as for taking part at last rites of near and dear ones of the militants; announcement and implementation of genuine and honourable rehabilitation packages not only for surrendered militants but also for families of slain militants; concrete assurance of granting greater/full autonomy to the state or even allowing it to secede, if reasonable and feasible, after a serious dialogue etc.
The body also advocated involvement of all concern in bringing about a congenial atmosphere for commencement of political dialogue and abstention from corrupt practice, strict compliance to sincere, honest, transparent and accountability by public servants and NGos and immediate stoppage by political parties and politicians from indulging in self seeking polity that would deter peace process.
It also called upon the Central and State authorities to rein in security force personnel from taking law into their own hands and chalk out long term plan to check misuse of power by these forces as it would agravate the situation rather than control the charged atmosphere.
The time is ripe enough for the Central and state Govt to comprehend the ground reality and pursue political dialogue to end the impasse rather that uphold the prowess of bullet to solve the vexed problems for which the common public have suffered untold miseries, the rights body maintained.