EEVFAM anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11 2013: Extrajudicial Execution Victims Families' Association Manipur (EEVFAM) today celebrated its fourth foundation anniversary at Nupilan Memorial Complex wherein different speakers applauded the Supreme Court for initiating probe against fake encounter cases in Manipur.

The EEVFAM had petitioned the Supreme Court to initiate a probe into 1528 cases of fake encounter killings in Manipur out of which the apex court listed six for further investigation by constituting an independent probe panel.

Welcoming the Supreme Court observation on six special cases out of 1528 listed by the Association that the six killings were stage-managed, human Rights Alert director Babloo Loitongbam opined that direct involvement of Assam Rifles in four of the cases might be the reason why the final verdict is being delayed even though the report was supposed to be made public on July 4 .

Highlighting that the Central Government accords top priority in exposing fake encounter cases recorded in Gujarat State contrary to apparent lack of focus inspite of Manipur having one of the highest incidents of fake encounters, Babloo affirmed that if there is inordinate delay in disposing all the pending fake encounter cases EEVFAM will approach the united nations for appropriate action.

The anniversary event also had family members of the six victims of fake encounters expressing hope that the Supreme Court would expeditiously dispose the case and enable the aggrieved families breathe a sign of relief.

They also urged the Supreme Court to take up the remaining cases and ensure that the guilty ones face the penalty for violating human rights.

The victims enlisted in the six Supreme Court case include Umakanta of Iroisemba, Nobo of Bashikhong, Orshorjit of Jailer Road, Azad Khan of Phoubakchao, Kiranjit of Thoubal Houkha and Priyobarta of Mongshangei.

While UCM president Y Nabachandra reposed faith upon the Supreme Court to deliver justice to all the victims' families of fake encounter cases and exuding confidence that stringent punitive action against the guilty security personnel would check recurrence of such cases in the future, former AMUCO president KT Rahman hailed audacity of EEVFAM functionaries to expose high-handedness of security forces.

Association secretary Neena Ningombam presented the annual report and briefed the gathering on the screening of her statement at the UN Human Rights Council.

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