MHRC, COHR observe International Human Rights Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10 2021: Celebrating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and the Committee on Human Rights (COHR) observed International Human Rights Day today separately.

At Hotel Imphal, MHRC Acting Chairperson Khaidem Mani said the UDHR was adopted to protect human rights so that atrocity and barbarous acts committed during the second world war don't recur.

Saying that India too adopted the Protection of Human Rights Act in 1993, he claimed that the MHRC has closed several cases of crimes and human rights violations and delivered justice to the victims.

Above this, the commission has sent recommendations to the successive State Governments to protect rights entitled to every individual, he said and added that the MHRC can even charge the State Government or any individual with contempt of Court as per the ruling of the Supreme Court if its recommendations are neglected.

Urging the people to lodge complaints to the commission if their rights are threatened or violated, Mani continued that the MHRC will do its best to deliver justice.

As a part of the programme, a discussion programme on "Human Rights and Police" was also held in the presence of CSO leaders and State officials.

Former Chairperson of MHRC RK Rajendra, Law Commissioner Athokpam Nungshitombi and Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribe Chairperson Tara also attended the programme.

The Committee on Human Rights (COHR), Manipur also observed International Human Rights Day at its office in a low key manner, today.

Speaking at the gathering, COHR president Phulindro Konsam stated that the objective of the United Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was drafted on December 10, 1948 by the United Nations is to uphold "Universal declaration of human rights as a common standard of achievement for all people and Nations" .

The theme of this year's observance is "Equality".

It has taken the theme from Article 1 of the UDHR, which says: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".

"Despite the global effort to protect inalienable human rights that everyone is entitled to, India is enforcing several 'draconian' laws such as Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act, 1911, Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, National Security Act, 1980, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Manipur Amendment) Act, 1983 and other to heavily militarize the region," he claimed.

He also claimed that the authorities are constantly violating basic human rights in Manipur on the pretext of law and order problems when the issues are truly political.

Continuing that Manipur used to be an independent kingdom with a history spanning over thousands of years, Phulindro contended that Manipur enjoyed sovereignty till the time of British paramountcy.

After the British left, Manipur became the first Nation in the Indian sub-continent to have its own popular Government under Manipur Constitution Act 1947 (adult franchise), he said and claimed that Manipur was allegedly annexed by India in 1949.Phulindro also claimed that the Government of India is enforcing many anti-people laws in Manipur such as AFSPA instead of finding a solution to the insurgency movement.

Claiming that security forces are enjoying impunity though several international and domestic laws have been enacted to protect human rights, Phulindro alleged that India is also disregarding the direction given by the United Nations to re-examine and abolish AFSPA 1958 as it 'challenges Right to Live'.

He also reminded that many prominent personalities have suggested that the solution to the conflict situation in Manipur can only be brought through political means and not otherwise.

Instead of simply observing this particular day, launching a people's movement or struggle is imperative to secure the human rights guaranteed by the United Nations, he said and appealed to the people of Manipur to collectively face all obstacles that challenge the future of Manipur.

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