Imphal, November 08, 2008: The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHRSouth Sector) has expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation in Manipur 'where democratic rights of the people are being curtailed' by the State and held it a disturbing trend in the region.

The NPMHR-South Sector also expressed concern over the 'high handedness' on the people meted out by the State forces and asserted that it was increasingly becoming the order of the day.

Phamhring Sengul, convenor NPMHR (South) on Saturday while expressing concern over many innocent persons been victimised, pointed out that there was a sense of insecurity and anxiety everywhere in the region.

Condemning the alleged excesses committed by the IRB and police commandos on the poor villagers who marched to the Mapithel dam site to express their concern and plight, wherein about 45 were reportedly injured, NPMHR stated that everyone in a democratic society has the right to freely voice their concerns.

NPMHR also feels that the affected people have the right to express their view in the matter of Mapithel dam as it is an issue of survival for them added Phamhring in the press statement.

The convenor of the human rights movement also pointed out that with the construction of the dam the land of the people in the upstream would be submerged making them 'migrants' in their own land while the people downstream will live in permanent fear as the threat and danger from the dam is real and extremely vulnerable.

The convenor also alleged that the interest and concern of the affected people have been neglected and that there were other discrepancies which are a serious matter, added Phamhring.

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