1,528 'encounter' cases 400 persons provide info to EEVFAM so far
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 05 2016 : Quite a large number of families, relatives and others know little about the inquiry into the 1,528 encounter cases in which Extrajudicial Victims Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) has been relentlessly seeking justice for the victims, according to the association.

"It has been a hindrance to the association's efforts to collect information in respect of the victims allegedly killed by security forces in the State," EEVFAM secretary Yaikhom Edina said while talking to Newmai News Network on Friday.

As per a writ petition recently filed by the association in the Supreme Court, the 1,528 people were killed in extrajudicial execution by the police, paramilitary forces and Army in the State between 1979 and 2012 .

"The hearing in the cases is scheduled to be held in the apex Court on September 7 next.

Hope we'll be victorious.

All families, relatives, friends and other people who want to provide information are requested to come to the association's office at Cheirap Court Complex, Imphal and to contact the district coordinators before September 7," Edina said.

She said nearly 400 persons have so far given information to the association for the purpose.

However Edina added that the figure is still far from satisfactory.

"We need to collect more information.

We're yet to complete the big task and now the association is struggling for the final push" .

In the writ petition it is stated that during the period May, 1979 to May, 2012, 1,528 people were killed in Manipur in extra-judicial execution.

The statement is mainly based on a memorandum prepared by 'Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN' and submitted to one Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Mission to India, March 19-30, 2012 .

EEVFAM has been directed to submit all available information in respect of the 1,528 persons in accordance with the directive of the apex Court of July 8, 2016 .

Edina said, "Some of the families told the association that they have already got Government jobs and hence they don't want to get involved in any of the cases" .

She appealed to all, including civil societies, to extend support to the association in its efforts to ensure justice to all the encounter victims.

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