Book on United Nations and Human Rights released
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 16 2012:
A book titled, United Nations and Human Rights in Manipur was released during a function held at Regency Hall of Classic Hotel today.
MLA Laishom Ibomcha, Human Rights Initiative Director RK Ranjan and senior citizen Arambam Lokendra were the chief guest, president and guest of honour of the function.
The book is jointly edited by Sukhdev Sharma Hanjabam, Homen Thangjam, U Nobokishore and Chaoba Takhelchangbam.
Giving the keynote address, Centre for Social Development secretary U Nobokishore said, through various mass movements, people of the State have been demanding the protection of right to life.
However, he said, State actors have been constantly indulging in extra judicial killings, human rights violations and harassments under the cover of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State.
The book has been brought out to reduce the inconvenience of not having proper records on human rights violations under the cover of the draconian Act, he added.
Nobokishore alleged that the Government of India has not only failed to heed to the directive of the United Nations to repeal AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir and North East States but also submit a report on the controversial Act.
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He expressed hope that the book would serve the purpose regarding UN intervention at this juncture.
Speaking at the occasion, MLA Laishom Ibomcha pointed out that AFSPA is the lone Act in the whole world which has the license to kill.
He expressed hope that the book would put light on how many lives have been taken, made disabled and wrecked families by AFSPA in the State till date.
RK Ranjan said that the Government has not only snatched away the right to life of the common people but also its natural resources.
Saying that the people of the State are no more the owner of its land, forest and landscape, RK Ranjan asserted, because of this reason, people are unable to gather its strength fully.
At this critical time when the serious issues of Manipur are sidelined at the National level, the book would help in building up the mass strength of the people of the State, he said.
Arambam Lokendra while speaking at the function said that although Manipur is not a colonial State, people do not fully enjoy the fundamental rights and dignity.
He also expressed happiness on releasing a book which according to him would help in entitling fundamental rights and dignity to the people.
A panel discussion was also conducted on the topic, 'Reviewing the human rights and political realities in Manipur' after the book releasing function.