Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 17:
Calling upon the Government of India to take up steps to sign and ratify the International Criminal Court (ICC) Rome Statute, 1998 with a view to terminating immunity granted to individuals who commit heinous crimes and fixing responsibilities, the International Justice Day has been observed along with participation by Professors from Manipur University, lawyers and leaders of civil organisations at Nupi Lan Complex here today.
Organised by National Research Centre (NRC), Manipur, Chairperson of Manipur State Human Rights Commission WA Shishak inaugurated the observance function as chief guest.
Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof C Amuba; president of High Court Bar Association, Imphal Bench S Jayenta and former president of All Manipur Bar Association Khaidem Mani were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.
Speaking at the function, Shishak categorically stated that observance of International Justice Day on July 17 every year is very significant and relevant in the light of the fact that the people in Manipur still could not expect real justice free of partiality on the basis of caste, creed.
So many of the people in Manipur do not have access to proper trial and rightful share of the development.
Khaidem Mani pointed out that many people are being killed in Manipur during alleged encounters with the security forces every day , though the family members claimed the slain persons were innocent who do not have any connection with any UG group.
Inspite of this, the Government of India has not admitted the existence of conflict situation or non-International armed conflict in Manipur and thus refusing to append its signature to the Additional Protocol-II of the International Humanitarian Law and the International Criminal Court.
In such a situation, it is not the time for the people of Manipur, University professors, intellectuals, senior citizens, leaders of the civil organsiations and lawyers to keep quiet but show to the world that there is indeed an armed conflict in Manipur and unmask those denying and violating the rights of the people, he exhorted.
To ensure this, lawyers should take up the responsibility of spreading legal awareness among the people and bring about a legal movement.
In connection with the observance, former Dean of Law, Gauhati University Prof N Sanajaoba delivered a lecture on the topic of 'India Be a party to ICC Rome Statute, 1998 ' .
Explaining that all the trial related to crimes against humanity like genocide, war crimes may be taken up in the ICC, Prof Sanajaoba said that refusal on the part of the Government of India to be a signatory of ICC is very unfortunate.
Towards the end of the observance function, a resolution has also been adopted urging the Government of to take up steps to sign and ratify the International Criminal Court (ICC) Rome Statute, 1998 with a view to terminating impunity of individuals who commit heinous crimes, as defined in the statue and fixing individual criminal responsibility of alleged offenders.
It is said that the resolution would be forwarded in the form of a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India tomorrow.