NPMHR condemns killing, deployment of armed forces in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, July 19 2014 : The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) said it is deeply disturbed by the act of killing Ngalangzar Malue (Ukhrul Autonomous District Council) on July 12 by unidentified armed persons and the heavy deployment of armed forces in the district headquarter, Ukhrul by the government of Manipur 'under the pretext of maintaining public order' .

The NPMHR said there is no justification whatsoever in taking the life of an individual and the NPMHR said it strongly condemns the heinous crime.

NPMHR also said it believes in and uphold the sanctity of life and calls upon everyone to respect this.

The NPMHR then said it is also deeply concerned by the 'martial tactics' and actions employed by the Government of Manipur following the killing.

"Currently the whole of Ukhrul district Headquarter is besieged by hundreds of Manipur police commando and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel and have heightened tension and apprehensions among the people.

Suspending civil and democratic rights of the public by the government is waging psychological warfare against them and amounts to penalising the public for a crime they have nothing to do with.

Such senseless action of the state will be condemned by all those who value democratic rights and norms," the NPMHR asserted.

It then said the incident of the killing has been condemned by Naga civil society from all quarters and has condemned such senseless crimes in the past too.

"This is the voice of the people that speaks out loud and clear that senseless violence is not the way of a democratic society and that it is counterproductive in the long run.

This is a message that has fallen on the deaf ears of both the state and non-state actors and civilians continue to suffer in the cross-fire.

But we reiterate that we will not be reduced to passive observers to the developments," the NPMHR said.

"It is unfortunate that the Government of Manipur has continued to play a divisive game being politically motivated for their vested interests at the cost of peace and security of the people.

The Government of Manipur has championed in such sinister games undermining all democratic principles and values to which it is suppose to stand for.

NPMHR is also concerned with media editorials yet again leaving the onus of justice to the civil society and indirectly fending the state and its act.

Responsible media should not allow itself to be toyed in the hands of the state, rather, they should appeal to the conscience of the people to help in finding solutions to the problems that has gripped the people for so long," the NPMHR stated.

The NPMHR demands that the armed forces deployed and the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code of India (CrPC) in and around Ukhrul district headquarter be immediately withdrawn.

"This is not only in the interest of the public but in the interest of Government of Manipur and make efforts to resume its democratic role.

All democratic institutions have clearly laid down norms and procedures for dealing with crimes committed, and ethics and principles for resolving conflicts.

Blatant use of its forces against the people with no justifiable reason is simply abuse of power," it pointed out.

"NPMHR is concerned by the trend the society is heading towards�the collapse of public voice and values of democracy," the press communiqu� of the Naga based rights body stated.

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