Killings of protesters at CCpur: Condemnations pour in
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2015:
Various tribal civil society organisations come forward to condemn the excesses committed by State security forces against protesters in Churachandpur resulting in the loss of eight precious lives and sustaining injuries to many others.
Tangkhul Scholars' Association (TSA) in the strongest term condemned the brutality of the State force against protesters at Churachandpur on August 31 and September 1 who were staging protests against the three Bills that were passed in the Manipur Assembly on August 31 .
In a statement, general secretary of TSA, Dr Tuisem Ngakang said the TSA is horrified to take notice of the present State Government law enforcement, which has turned into complete State-sponsored terrorism under the barrel of gun, targeting the helpless tribal communities in the State.
Every sane person would question the rationale behind firing automatic weapons on the protesters.
"The cruel act of the Government on Aug 31 and Sept 1 once again reminds us of the brutal killing of two civilians and injuring many people exactly a year back in Ukhrul on Aug 30, 2014 by Manipur Police Commando and Indian Reserved Battalion.
This is nothing but an expression of naked aggression on the minority communities by the state machinery," it said.
TSA demanded immediate enquiry into the indiscriminate firing by the police commandos and punish those involved in the mindless killing.
TSA also demanded that the names of officials and the Minister responsible for the killing be made public.
The three Bills passed by the Assembly without consulting the hills people is an attempt to infringe on the indigenous rights of the hills people of Manipur, it said.
"Words fail to express our sadness at the demise of 'eight friends' in Churachandpur, TSA prays that the departed souls may rest in peace and the Almighty may grant strength to the bereaved family to overcome the shocked and emotional trauma caused by the unfortunate incident," it added.
Meanwhile, Komrem Union (KRUM), NE India, Tribal Youth Council, Manipur (TYCM), Zeliangrong United Clubs' Association, Manipur Valley (ZUCAMV) have vehemently condemned the violent incidents at Churachandpur where several precious lives are lost.
In a statement, KRUM said that the incidents at Ccpur could have been avoided had the Govt of Manipur paid a little attention to the voices of several tribal organisations before the Bills were passed.
The union shared the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to grant strength at this juncture.
KRUM urged the Govt to bring an agreement with the protesters at the earliest before the issue blows out of proportion.
The union also appealed to all concerned to shun violence and adopt peaceful means of agitation for the sake of better future.
In a separate statement, Tribal Youth Council, Manipur (TYCM) said it was very unfortunate that several innocent lives have been lost within just two days of intensive protest against the recently passed Bills.
Passing of a Bill relating to the hill areas without obtaining the consent of the hill people and without referring to the HAC is strongly condemnable.
The killing of civilian protesters by security forces has no legal justification whatsoever and the act is in violation of the Constitutional provision of Right to Life provided under Article 21 .
TYCM also flayed the Govt for shutting down internet services which it said amounts to violation of fundamental rights of the citizens.
It urged the Govt to immediately lift the ban on internet services.
The TYCM demanded punishment against security personnel involved in the killings of civilians at Ccpur and compensation to the loss of lives and properties.
The council also shared the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families.
Condemning the excesses of security forces against protesters in Churachandpur, Zeliangrong United Clubs' Association, Manipur Valley (ZUCAMV) said that several lives are lost and many other sustained injuries due to incapability of the police in handling the situation.
ZUCAMV suggested a reform in police to prevent such incidents in future.
It demanded that the victims of Ccpur be provided appropriate compensation while urging the Govt to act swiftly on the matter.
A Govt for the people, which could promote equality among all sections is the need of the hour, it added.
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