Rights violation noted on International HR Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2019:
Committee on Human Rights (COHR) Manipur, observed International Human Rights Day, at its office at Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai today under the theme 'Youth standing up for human rights'.
In connection with the observation, a statement issued by the chairman of COHR, Phulindro Konsam, conveyed that the 30 points Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was introduced during the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948 and from 1950, December 10 has been observed as International Human Rights Day all over the world.
It then conveyed that despite such rules and regulations at the International level, the people of Manipur have been the target of various human rights violation in the name of National security and law and order situation.
Mentioning the various laws and acts like the Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act 1911, the Punjab State Security Act 1953, Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) 1967 and its amendment 2019, the National Security Act 1980, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Manipur Amendment) Act 1983 etc affecting the State of Manipur, it claimed that the issue surrounding the rampant violation of human rights in the State is not a law and order one but a political one.
It reasoned that as Manipur was merged into India in an unconstitutional and controversial way, many armed groups sprang in revolt and to control this situation, various inhumane laws like AFSPA were introduced, which led to immense suffering of the innocent people at the hands of the security forces.
It further reasoned that the conflict situation in Manipur is a political one and as such requires a political solution, adding that military might cannot bring an end to this problem.
On the other hand, COHR also stressed on the threat posed by the Naga Framework Agreement as well as the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) to the people of the State.