State joins yet another observance...
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 10 2013: As observed in other parts of the world to commemorate adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by United Nations on this day in 1948, International Human Rights Day was observed by various organizations across the State today.

Incidentally, this year's observance has come exactly 10 days after extension of the Disturbed Area Status for yet another year in Manipur excluding the Imphal Municipal Area, with effect from December 1.Extension of Disturbed Area Status only ensures continuation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act which gives sweeping power to the Armed Forces personnel and it has been root cause of most human rights violation cases in the State.

Irom Chanu Sharmila has been on a fast for the last 14 years demanding removal of the Act denounced by many as draconian.

During the Human Rights Day observance function held under the aegis of Sharmila Kanba Lup (SAKAL), which also marked the 5th anniversary of the Lup's rally hunger strike that began from December 10, 2008 in support of social activist Irom Sharmila, at Keishampat Yumjao Lairembi Community Hall here today, Retired Session Judge C Upendra said that people living under the Disturbed Area category actually do not enjoy human rights at all and added that the youths in Manipur have lost faith in the system of the Government of India because it is not dedicated to remove AFSPA from the state disregarding the recommendation of Jeevan Reddy Commission.

International Human Rights Day was observed

Upendra pointed out that Indian Constitution started to guarantee the Fundamental Rights to its bonafide citizens after it was influenced by the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN long time ago, however Manipur has been reeling under the severe blow of AFSPA, which was invoked to curb Naga rebels, for many years.

He said, "Nobody in the state has ever enjoyed the basic human rights under draconian law AFSPA therefore we need to give renewed impetus to the struggle by Sharmila" .

The Day was observed jointly by Manipur State Legal Services Authority and Manipur Judicial Academy at Cheirap Court Complex here with Director of Manipur Judicial Academy Justice Maibam Binoykumar as Chief Guest and Member Secretary of Manipur State Legal Services Authority Ch Brajachand as President, while President of All Manipur Bar Association Khaidem Mani attended as Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Binoykumar said that human rights are the basic rights needed by an individual to live life with dignity.

The day is being observed every year throughout the world to commemorate the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He further said that people should have clear knowledge about human rights.

Corruption also violates human rights and so people must stand against it, Binoykumar asserted.

Advocate Khaidem Mani said that violation of human rights would eventually come down if corruption is checked in the society.

Human rights encompass the right to life, right to education, right to food and other basic rights for humans to lead a dignified life.

However, the people could not avail all such basic rights in the State.

Erratic supply of essential commodities and poor infrastructure development are not signs of a good government.

Pro-people policies are vital for good governance and also for protection of human rights, he added.

The Human Rights was also observed by Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University at Manipur University, Canchipur.

It was attended by Agriculture Minister Md Abdul Nasir as Chief Guest and Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education Dr M Sureshkumar as President, while Prof W Nabakumar, Prof E Bijoykumar, Prof RK Hemkumar and Advocate Khaidem Mani as Guests of Honour.

Minister Nasir said that there would be no need for deliberation on human rights if one goes strictly by his religion.

All religions preach love and respect for one another.

The common people should be aware of human rights and play crucial roles in checking rights violation.

The legislatures also need to work sincerely to safeguard human rights, he added.

Human Rights Initiative also observed the Human Rights Day at its office at Thangapat with former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ng Nongyai as Chief Guest and Acting Chairman of HRI Y Ratan as President.

Former Editor of AIR News BB Sharma also attended the observance as Guest of Honour.