CCM hails
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03 2021:
The Citizens Committee Manipur (CCM) has welcomed the judgment of the High Court of Manipur, 'upholding the human rights of seven Myanmar Nationals, who entered India to seek protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)' .
According to CCM convenor Babloo Loitongbam, the Myanmar Nationals who entered India seeking protection from UNHCR following the military coup in Myanmar are Pau Khan Thawn (journalist), Cing San Lun (journalist), Si Thu Aung (journalist), Niang Go Man, Master Nang Sian Mung (10 years), Master NangKhan Hau (9 years) and Dim Sian Huai Nuam (5 years) .
They had been hiding at Moreh until they were brought to Imphal as per an order of the High Court on April 20, 2021, Babloo said adding that the judgement insisted India is a party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), though not a party to the UN Refugee Conventions.
Applauding the courage and determination of human rights advocate, Nandita Haksar and her husband Sebastian Hongray who have selflessly invested time, financial resources and energy to defend the rights of these asylum seekers, Babloo, however, stated that CCM is deeply concerned about the plight of the thousands of Myanmar Nationals taking shelter in the bordering villages of Manipur.
"The generous citizens of Manipur responded with utmost magnanimity to the appeal of the Humanitarian Sub-Committee of CCM and this has made it possible to provide some basic needs such as food, clothing, medicine and utensils in four villages in Kamjong district, three villages in Tengnoupal district and three villages in Churachandpur district covering more than five hundred refugees," Babloo added.
Saying that local private humanitarian effort is grossly inadequate to meet the growing needs on the ground, Babloo urged the Central and State Governments to protect 'these hapless persons more seriously' in line with the judgement pronounced by the High Court today.