International Human Rights Day observed across state
HRC has power to intervene wrong govt policy: Khaidem Mani
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 10 2021: As in other parts of the world, several human rights organisations, educational institutions and commission observed the International Human Rights Day on the theme 'Reducing inequalitv, advancing human rights' on Friday.

During the observances, history of International Human Rights Day from the initiation of United Nation Organisations to the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights with 30 resolutions was recalled.

The speakers highlighted the need for strengthening Human Rights Commission so as to ensure the right of every person and also to give awareness on the matter.

Rights activists also highlighted that several draconian laws including Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958; The Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act, 1911; The Punjab State Security Act, 1953; The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and its amendment 2019; The National Security Act, 1980; and The Code of Criminal Procedure (Manipur Amendment) Act, 1983 being enforced to militarise the state, thereby grossly violating the human rights of the people.

They also urged the people of Manipur to join hands and fight internal and external forces trying to disrupt the harmonious co-existence of the indigenous communities Settling in the state so as to ensure a bright future.

Manipur Human Rights Commission observed International Human Rights Day at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal here on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, Commission's acting chairperson Khaidem Mani informed that there are more than 100 instruments of human rights and urged civil society organisations to work for ensuring every individual enjoys their rights effectively.

He made it clear that the Human Rights Commission has the power to intervene the wrong policies of the government.

Discussions were also conducted on the topics Role of Manipur Human Rights Commission', Role of police in the promotion and protection of human rights' and Prospect of conflict resolution in Manipur'.

The observance was attended by Manipur Human Right Commission for Scheduled Tribes Dr Tara Machin, Law commissioner Athokpam Nungshitombi and Manipur Human Right Commission former member RK Rajendra as the presidium members.

Meanwhile, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation, Manipur state (NCHRO) observed the Day at its Hatta Golapa-ti office on the theme 'Reducing inequality, advancing human rights'.

In a release, NCHRO state general secretary Benjamin Shah informed that a two-minute silence was observed to pay homage to the victims of Mon carnage in Nagaland.

During the observance, three resolutions were adopted including demand for adequate compensation to the victims' families of Mon carnage, lifting the disturbed area status from North East including Manipur and repealing Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The observance was attended by Benjamin Shah, NCHRO state executive member and human rights defender Joy and executive member and spokesperson Haji Arafat among others.

Department of Law & Centre for Human Rights Duties Education, Manipur University also observed International Human Rights Day at the lecture hall of the department with MU vice chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh, MU registrar Prof W Chandbabu Singh, DM University associate professor Dr N Pramod Singh, MHRC former member Ng Nongyai and Department of Law MU head Dr Y Premananda Singh as presidium members.

North East Dialogue Forum observed the 73rd International Human Rights Day with special emphasis for repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 at Manipur Baptist Church.

On the other-hand, in connection with International Human Rights day, S Kula Women's College Department of Human Rights, North Kamrup College Assam, Naorem Bira-hari College, Ecological Useful Productive and Social Development Organisation and Social Welfare and Development Centre under UGC Stride C1 jointly organised a two-day long international conference on "Human Rights and Global Pandemic: Issues and Response" at Castle Hotel, Palace Compound here on Friday.

The international conference was attended by MU Vice Chancellor Prof N Lokendro, organising committee convenor L Muhindro and other academicians.

Around 97 delegates from different parts of the world are attending the conference, which will have eight technical sessions, through online or offline mode.

As a part of the event, student of S Kula College Kh Monika, who ranked first in BA HRE, was honoured as a mark of encouragement.

Committee on Human Rights (COHR), in a release, informed that it observed the Day in a simple manner due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Tengnoupal Block; Thadou Students' Association (TSA) General Headquarters, Child Welfare Committee Chandel and Tengnoupal, Childline Chandel, All Tribal Women Organisation (ATWO) and Ching Tam Nupi Apunba Lup Pallel jointly organised United Nations Human Rights Day at Khopinom village, Pallel.

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