Imphal, December 10 2008: JOURNALISTS, LAWYERS, Social workers and human rights activists today recommended holding of political dialogue with the various rebel outfits to the Governments of India and Manipur in order to find a permanent solution to the issues of insurgency prevailing in the state.

The recommendation was unanimously adopted at a panel discussion held on the theme of "Justice and dignity in Manipur" in connection with the observance of the 60th International Human Rights Day at the State Guest House here today.

The event was organised jointly by the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Human Rights Initiative (HRI) and Manipur Human Rights Organisation (MHRO).

In all, three recommendations were adopted at today's panel discussion.

They are: Human rights organisations lawyers, activists, journalists, Meiraa Paibees and other interested persons of Manipur to initiate, co-ordinate and volunteer to make a concerted effort to render legal assistance to the victims of the human rights violations in the state.

(2) The government should guaranty equality of dignity, life and liberty of the people of Manipur, it is an act of discrimination on the dignity of Manipuri people that the victims of the recent Mumbai terror attacks are given Rs 25 lakh while the victims of Ragailong bomb blast are paid Rs 3 lakh and the victims of human rights violation by state actors are paid only Rs 1 lakh (3) Realising the root cause of the armed conflict in the region, enabling resolve the conflict and building peace, the Government of India should initiate confidence building measures, (a) repeal AFSPA and other excessive laws imposed in Manipur; (b) respect people's democratic opinions; (c) initiate effective and purposeful political dialogue and (d) undertake trauma healing process and rehabilitation for the victims of the human rights violations.

The HRI has sent the recommendations to the Government of India and the Government of Manipur, international organisations and the UN bodies.

Member of MHRC, Ng Nongyai was the chief guest while chairperson of HRI Dr RK Ranjan and President of MHRO, P Tomcha Meetei were the members of the presidium.

MHRC member Ng Nongyai released a human rights periodical of Manipur entitled 'Justice First' on the occasion.

Advocate Khaidem Mani, Editor-in-Chief of Hueiyen Lanpao (English) Brozendra Ningomba, Ex-MP Kim Gangte, president of Senior Citizens, Manipur, Prof Sadananda and Secretary General of Ethno Heritage Council (Hericoun), M Churamani spoke during the panel discussion as panellists.

Retd Sessions Judge C Upendra Chaired the discussion while senior journalist K Madhumangol moderated it.

Relatives of four persons who had been killed by the police commandos in "fake" encounters also recounted the tragic incidents in which their dear and near ones were brutally killed after arrest.

Those who spoke were Longjam Kanta of Keishamthong Longjam Leirak, younger brother of Uttam Kumar, who was mercilessly shot dead right in the courtyard of his house on Moreh 29 this year, Nongmaithem Ongbi Meena of Keishampat Keisham Leikai, whose husband N Michael was arrested by police commandos and killed on November 4, 2008 and Mutum Kumar of Keishampat Mutum Leikai, father of M Herojit (28) and M Rajen (22), who were arrested and shot dead on October 14, 2008 .

Police had claimed that all the four persons were killed in encounters.

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