Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 20:
Conveying deep concern over the disappearance of one Abi Chiru (18) of Uran Chiru village, Senapati district after he was reportedly picked up by Assam Rifles personnel from Moreh Gate no 2 on January 27, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) Geneva has issued a world wide appeal including the Government of India for their urgent intervention regarding the 'arbitrary arrest/enforced disappearance/fear of safety of Abi Chiru.
According to a statement issued by the Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE), the appeal has also been forwarded to the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearance and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Peoples, Prof Rodolfo Stavenhagen.
The International Secretariat of OMCT is gravely concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Abi Chiru, as his whereabouts remain unknown, giving rise to fears that he may be subjected to ill-treatment, torture or potentially extra-judicial execution, quoted the CORE statement.
Among others, the appeal was also addressed to President of India Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Minister of Home Affairs Shivraj Patil, Chief Justice of India KG Balkrisnan, Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission Rajendra Babu and Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi.
The OMCT appealed to the Indian authorities to locate the whereabouts of Abi Chiru immediately and to order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges.
In case any valid charge exists, ensure that Abi Chiru is given a prompt and fair trial.
The OMCT also urged to order a thorough and impartial investigation into these events in order to identify all those responsible and to bring them to proper trial.
It further appealed to the Indian authorities to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance to national laws and international human rights standard, conveyed CORE.