Challenges to human rights deliberated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 06 2024: Manipur has been facing serious challenges in upholding human rights since the merger with India, said Phulindro Konsam, chairman of Committee on Human Rights (COHR), Manipur.

Addressing a one day discussion programme on Internationally Guaranteed Rights of the People at the auditorium of Manipur University at Canchipur today, Phulindro continued that the situation in Manipur, unlike many States and countries where the fundamental and human rights of the people are protected, is similar to that of ancient Europe plagued by feudalism and colonialism.

Saying that Human Rights Day which falls on December 10 should be observed like a day of protest as Manipur has been facing serious cases of violation of human rights all these years, Phulindro maintained that India has been scheming to suppress the rights of the people by enforcing legislations like AFSPA 1958 which gives sweeping power to the security forces.

Many people have been killed in Manipur under AFSPA while many others have disappeared, he added.

On the unrest in Manipur, Phulindro said that the possibility of the Government of India launching a proxy war in the State cannot be ruled out as non State actors have killed innocent civilians right under the nose of Central forces on many occasions amid the crisis.

How do all these non State actors possess sophisticated weapons, Phulindro asked.

Further stating that there is no sign of normalcy returning in Manipur anytime soon despite the deployment of tens of thousands of Central forces, he added that there is no human rights whatsoever in Manipur.

Phunlindro then appealed to all the people to play their part in making Manipur a self-reliant State where the rights of the people are upheld.

The programme was moderated by former acting Chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Khaidem Mani.

Social activist Dr 'Dhanabir Laishram and Associate Professor of Manipur University (Law Department) Dr Yunrnan Premananda also attended the programme among others.

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