UNMM urges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 07 2015 :
While conveying deep shock over the militant ambush at Paraolon village which killed 18 soldiers of Dogra Regiment, the United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM) has urged the Indian Army to allow the media to visit the operation area at the earliest.
While noting that the local media have not been allowed to visit the operation area till date, a press release issued by UNMM expressed deep fear that the Government soldiers may commit crimes, torture, unleash sexual assaults on women etc during operation.
It also endorsed Irom Sharmila's observation that invocation of AFSPA 1958 is more responsible for the tense situation prevailing in Manipur.
It then urged the Government of India and the State Government to allow civil administration to visit villages like Juthang, Libung, Paraolon, Charlong and Ktal Khunthak to provide immediate humanitarian service to the military and civilian population who are in need of medicine, food etc.
Media (both print and electronic) should be allowed to visit the operational areas for reporting on human rights situation.
UNMM urged the concerned authority to involve women security personnel during operation in civilian areas.
It further appealed to all concerned including the Prime Minister, insurgent leaders and Chief of the Indian Army Gen Dalbir Singh to prepare for political peace negotiation with the participation of civil societies, NGO, intellectuals etc in a transparent manner.