Imphal, December 18: Highlighting the need for protecting the rights of minority communities as enshrined in the Constitution of India, Minorities Rights Day was observed during a function jointly organised by Manipur State Minorities Commission and All Manipur Minorities Forum at Hotel Mass here today.

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr Maniruddin Shaikh and MOBC Minister Md Allauddin Khan were respectively chief guest and president of the function which was also attended by Chairperson of Manipur State Minorities Commission A Halim Choudhury, Chairman of Manipur State Haj Committee Md Abdul Salam, member of Manipur State OBC Commission Md Hussain Choudhury, member of Manipur State Women Commission Laaljan Begum and president of All Manipur Minorities Forum Dr MS Ningomba as guests of honour.

Giving the key not address of the function, secretary of Manipur State Minorities Commission Syed Wahidur Rahman said United Nations had announced observance of Minorities Rights Day on December 18 every year since 1992.The main objective of the observance is to ensure that the respective State Governments guarantee and protect the rights of the minorities as well as to make the minorities to understand their own rights and duties, h explained.

In his address as chief guest, Dr Maniruddin Shaikh observed that apart from enjoying their rights, the minorities should also remember their corresponding duties.

In his presidential address, Md Allauddin exhorted that the minorities in Manipur to speak up for themselves and fight for their rights.

Apart from they themselves, Muslims, Meeteis, Christians, Sikhs Buddhists, etc who are considered minorities in Manipur, have no one who can speak up for their rights.

We ourselves have to do the needful to ensure our rights are protected and ensured, he said.

All Manipur Minorities Forum president MS Ningomba who also spoke at the occasion contended that combining of OBC and the minorities by the State Government in Manipur is not right.

OBCs are economically deprived people while minorities are related to religious practice.

Member of Manipur State Women Commission Laaljan Begum noted that Manipur State Women Commission has been set up for the welfare of the women along with appointment of one chairperson and two members.

The Commission would be able to handle cases of violence and crimes on women in Manipuri society, she hoped while appealing to the people to extend their co-operation to the Commission.

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