Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 13 2008:
The three-day long photo exhibition cum competition organised by Threatened Indigenous Peoples Society (TIPS), Manipur under the theme of 'Crimes against humanity' in connection with International Human Rights Day since December 10 concluded at Manipur Central Youth Club, Keishampat Junction here today.
The valedictory function of the photo exhibition cum competition was attended by former Law Secretary L Ibomcha as chief guest, TIPS president Aslam Khan as functional president and former AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, chief editor of Kangla Pao Pukhrambam Ibochouba, MCYC president Nongthombam Ranbir Meetei and astrologer Sinam Lukhoi as guests of honour.
In the competition section of the photo exhibition conducted with National awardee on Fine Arts Thoidingjam Tombi and Filmmaker Surjakanta as jury members, the photographs of Thongam Premchand of Poknapham, Elangbam Babita Chanu of Imphal Free Press and Rajkumar Buluraj of Poknapham have been adjusted as the winners of the Ist, 2nd and 3 prize respectively.
Kshetrimayum Meghajit of Naharolgi Thoudang was also presented with a consolation prize.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Ibomcha charged the Governemnt with closing its eyes to the suffering of the people in the hands of the by the security forces with imposition of various black laws on the pretext of suppressing insurgency movement in the State.
'Why Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 should not be imposed in Maharashtra where terrorists recently launched a serial attacks killing many poeple including top police officers ?', he questioned.
Moreover, when large amount of money had been given as compensation to the victims of the recent Mumbai terror attacks, why only a meagre amount is being given to such victims in Manipur?, he asked further, adding that this only shows that the life of the people in Manipur is being looked upon as valueless.
All those who spoke at the occasion called for united effort in fighting against human rights violations in the State.