Human Rights is 'Knowing and Struggling', Executive Director, HRA
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, September 05 2014 : Human Rights, in the simplest way, means 'Knowing and Struggling", averred Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director, Human Rights Alert (HRA) adding that there are no short cuts in Human Rights, in a one day workshop on International Humanitarian Law and Rights to Life organized by the District Women Committee-United NGO Mission, Manipur Senapati District Network today at District Council Hall, Kangpokpi.

The grievance will makes you struggle and the struggle will let you know your entitlements, opined Babloo while emphasizing the International Humanitarian Laws principles like Amelioration of sick and wounded, means and methods of warfare limited and protection of civilian population, etc.

Speaking on the issues of Chandel landmine, Babloo Loitongbam maintained that the uses of landmines on the part of state actors and non-state actors for one reason or others has created serious problems and is sensitive.

However, it has been informed so that they also read and understand the Geneva Call which stated that landmining is banned internationally, added Babloo.

He continued that there are many international bodies including Geneva Call who can gives mine clearance but unfortunately the Government of India does not allow any foreign agencies to come and notify mine clearance.

He added that the only agency who can assist in mine clearance in India is the Indian Army.

Babloo Loitongbam also pointed it would comply with the international law standard to stop the landmining in case it fails to bring positive changes.

Regarding the discrimination of Northeast people in the national capital, Babloo Loitongbam further said that there is a fundamental problem with the way Indian states have defined minority adding that there are only two categories of minority recognized by the Indian Constitution viz.

religious minority and linguistics minority.

But, in the UN Declaration there are two categories of minority apart from religious and linguistics minority which is National Minority and ethnic minority, which India do not recognize added Babloo.

Therefore, it is important on the part of the Indian Government to recognize national and ethnic minority for the safety of the North East people and live life with dignity like others do asserted Babloo.

Apart from various dignitaries' leaders of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills, Mother's Union, Kangpokpi AC, Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization, Kangpokpi Youth Union, Manipur Theological College and and general public attended the workshop.

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