Brinda files complaint with NHRC over death of IDP
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 13 2024: Former DSP Thounaojam Brinda has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concerning the death of Angom Premkumar, an internally displaced person (IDP) in Manipur.

In her complaint, Brinda details that Angom Premkumar, a resident of Tuibong in Churachandpur district, had been residing in an IDP camp at a government-run sericulture project in Kwakta, Bishnupur district, along with his family after the violence broke on in May 2023 .

This displacement was due to the ongoing ethnic violence in the region, which prevented them from returning to their home due to safety concerns.

On July 6, 2024, Premkumar was found dead in the IDP camp, with initial police reports suggesting that he had taken his own life due to "mental health issues" .

The district police stated that appropriate legal procedures had been initiated.

On the contrary, Chief Minister N Biren commented that the incident had been exaggerated and noted Premkumar's history of alcoholism before the incident.

Premkumar's family suspects that his death was the result of despair and hopelessness experienced by IDPs confined to the camp with no prospects of returning home.

This incident is not isolated, as there has been another attempted suicide by an IDP at the Takmu Water Sports Complex in Bishnupur district, Brinda said in her complaint.

Brinda emphasises that displacement of these individuals is conflict-induced, and criticises the state government for failing to provide adequate safety and security, thereby abdicating its responsibility to protect its citizens.

She argues that the government incorrectly terms these IDP camps as "relief camps," which she contends are not merely for temporary relief but for the protection of displaced persons until their safe return is possible.

The complaint invokes Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers the NHRC to investigate complaints of human rights violations or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants.

It also refers to Section 12(c), which allows the NHRC to examine the living conditions in any facility meant for the treatment, reformation, or protection under government control.

Brinda requests the NHRC to direct several actions.

She urges the secretary to the Chief Minister of Manipur to provide documents substantiating the CM's claims regarding the victim s alcoholism and the alleged exaggeration of the suicide report.

She also calls on the district magistrate of Bishnupur district to furnish a magisterial inquiry report on Premkumar's death.

Additionally, Brinda appeals to the commission to direct the SP Bishnupur district to provide a status report on the ongoing investigation into Premkumar's death.

Finally, she urges the commission to issue necessary directives to the chief secretary to the Government of Manipur to ensure suitable monetary relief is provided to the victim's next of kin.

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