MHRC seeks reply on extension of DA in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 12 2022: Taking serious note of the notice issued by special secretary (Home) on December 8 regarding extension of the disturbed area status in the state excluding areas under the Imphal Municipal Corporation, Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has taken up a suo-moto case and directed the state government to give response on the need for extension of the disturbed area status.

Speaking to media persons during release of its calendar, MHRC acting chairperson Khaidem Mani said that the suo-moto case has been taken up under section 12 of Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 .

It asked chief secretary, special secretary (home) and commissioner (law) to give response on the extension of disturbed area status in the state within February 2 .

Regarding the extension of disturbed area status under section 3 of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from December 1, 2021 and dissemination of the information through All India Radio on January 10 and through local and national media on January 11, he questioned the state government whether the order for extension of disturbed area status was issued on December 8 or not.

If the order was issued then why the government Informed the public after a month and two days late.

Is there any problem in the law and order situation of the state in the period between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and whether periodic review meeting was conducted before six months of the implementation as per the directives of Supreme Court, he posed.

Questioning whether the state government has ex-post facto approval power for extending the disturbed area status, Khaidem Mani said that MHRC demanded the state government to give response whether it is legal for the state government to declare extension of the disturbed area status with retrospective effect.

A consultation programme will be organised by the commission to take opinion of stakeholders including state government so as to withdraw the disturbed area status under AFSPA and to bring political solution for maintaining peace in the state.

The recommendations of the programme will be submitted to the centre, he added.

Khaidem Mani also informed that the commission has taken up two suo-moto cases regarding poll violence.

Manipur DGP has been directed to submit detailed report to the commissioner regarding the violent incidents.

Payment of interim compensation to the bereaved families will be discussed based on the reports submitted, he added.

In view of the increasing poll-related incidents in the state, Khaidem Mani stressed that police need to be more sincere while doing their duties.

They should not be influenced by any political party and its workers.

Moreover, the investigation should be done in a scientific manner.

Urging people to lodge complaint to MHRC if such poll-related unwanted incidents occur, he assured of punishing all the culprits.

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