Federation alleges forceful rehabilitation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 31 2021: While taking strong exception to the alleged indifference of the Manipur Police Department towards private rehabilitation centres which are forcefully keeping people; Drug User Federation for Human Right and Justice has stated that it would be approaching the High Court if no legal action is taken up against such dehumanizing acts.

Speaking to newspersons in this regard at the office of Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), Keishampat Hodam Leirak here on Sunday, Federation advisor RK Nalinikanta reminded that police not only have the responsibility to rescue those who are being kept at the centres against their will but also to take action against the centres for violating basic human rights.

On October 25, staff of Foundation House, a private rehabilitation centre based in Samurou, forcefully detained three students, who had gone to submit scholarship forms, near Presidency College, Sapermeina Charhajare area.

The staff posed as police personnel and detained the students at the centre, while beating them up to confess to abusing substances.

Of the three students, two have never used substances of any kind.

The students were also prevented from meeting their families while staying at the centre.

The matter was brought to the attention of the Federation, which then promptly informed the authorities concerned, he recounted.

The Federation had also filed complaints in similar incidents reported against Yaipokpa Rehabilitation Centre, Kwakeithel; Anouba Mangal Drug De-addiction Centre, Khuningthek and Th Biren De-Addiction Centre, Wangoi, he further conveyed.

Stating that the Federation would be approaching the High Court if no response is received on the complaints filed; Nalinikanta said that it was unfortunate that the authority concerned is turning a blind eye to such dehumanising acts being carried out.

He then questioned why no action was taken up when such incidents are reported, while remarking that incidents of forceful detentions at the centres have been around for a long time.

Urging for a long-term solution in this regard, he stated that temporary solutions are neither feasible nor beneficial.

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