Juvenile mentoring and policing issues discussed

source-The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 30: A "one day consultation on child trafficking and juvenile justice for the police personnel" was held today at the conference hall of MVHA, Wangkei, organized by the Coalition on Children`s Right to Protection (CCRP) Manipur. Many dignitaries, police personnel, NGOs and other civil organizations attended the workshop during which discussion was held on the role and responsibility of the police personnel in combating child trafficking and also in ensuring juvenile justice in the technical session.The first technical session under the topic "Role and responsibilities of police personnel in combating child trafficking" was attended, Superintendent of police Imphal east district, Th. Radhesyam Singh as chairperson, Advocate and Director of Human Rights Law Network, Rakesh Meihoubam, as resource person while in the second technical session under the theme "Role and Responsibilities of police personnel in ensuring Juvenile Justice" S. Paikhomba Singh, Advocate attended as resource person.While delivering the key-note addressing, S. Sharju, convener, CCRP, stated that children or juvenile deviate from the right path, commit crimes, robbery, thefts and such crimes due to poverty, lack of moral totoring and envy of things beyond their reach. She said it is the responsibility of all sections including the police, child right activities and NGOs etc to prevent the juvenile from committing these offences. She also stated that police personnel have been protecting and safeguarding the nation an she appealed them to be more alert and safeguard our child, who will be the builder of our society.Th. Radhesyam Singh, SP Imphal east, stress the need to set up a Juvenile police unit in every district adding that the unit needs to be properly trained on psychology of children, on how to deal and handle them.Further he also appeals to all the NGOs to clearly define the acts, provisions available. And through proper co-ordination and co-operation of police, NGOs, child right activist, media persons the future the children could be safeguard.Rakesh Meihoubam, in his speech, revealed that women and children are vulnerable to trafficking. They are transported against their will, sold and made to travel to an unknown place on the false promise of work, marriage or better jobs and livelihood and added that trafficking of women and children are mainly done for sexual exploitation, petty crimes, organ transplant, forced abduction and many more.Further while stressing the important role of the police, Rakesh staed police should work closely with immigration authorities, BSF, Railways and others transports authorities, social services, child welfare authorities, NGOs etc involved in services delivery for spotting and securing the victims and moreover sensitization programmes or workshops for these organizations is very much essential.Another talker, Advocate M.S. Paikhomba Singh, also highlighted about the J.J Act, 2000 and the role of police in ensuring Juvenile Justice.He also highlighted the bond between Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee and their respective functions. Accrding to him JJ board is mainly for the juvenile delinquents, those children below 18 year, who have committed an offence adding that a Juvenile who commit a crime cannot be put in Jail or brought in a court, as well as cant be arrested by the police in uniform. Their should be a special Juvenile Police Unit and the child should produced the Juvenile (in civil dress) before the JJ. Board. Further he said that after thorough enquiry, the child should be kept in an observatory home and given a change to reform his behavior, through proper supervision and council. On the other hand the Child Welfare Committee deals with children in needs of care and protection. Children who are orphaned, destitute, abused and asserted that any NGOs, Child Right Activities, responsible citizens can bring forth such children before a CWC and after a thorough enquiry such children are given shelter, at children homes, shelter home, educational support etc. according to the case, said Paikhomba.

Media needs to be sensitive in covering child rights: meet

source-http://www.ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=6993

IMPHAL, Dec 27: A “one day media workshop on writing for children’s issues” organized by the Children’s Right to Protection (CCRP), was held today at the Manipur Press Club.The workshop was attended by many dignitaries and deliberately discussed on the dos and don’ts to be applied while inviting a report on children issues on news papers, during the technical session held on two topics which includes “freedom of press vis-à-vis right to confidentiality of children”, with AK. Sanaton, former president, AMWJU, attended chairperson and Editor Imphal Free Press, as talker While during the second topic “Legal Provision restricting publication of Children’s identity in media” Sapam Dilip, Lecturer, LMS Law college, attended as talker.H. Rashi Devi, senior member, core group, highlighted on the role of media regarding the publication of child issues. In her key note address, she stated that media personnel should maintain their freedom of expression, and at the same time be sensitive while writing a report on child issues. However, in case of child abuse, child trafficking or such crimes, they should not invade the child’s privacy, revealing their identity, printing their photographs and such, thus invading their right to confidentiality or privacy, in the best interest of the child. She also mentioned that, according to the care and protection of children, Act 2000, in the section 21, it has been stated that, if anyone, be it it a media person or any citizen, if breached this act, revealing names, identities, address and such will be fined with Rupees 25,000.She further stated that, according to the Indian penal court, section 82, the offences committed by the children below 7 years will not be considered as offences. And if the media wishes to disclose the identity of the child involved in an issue, it needs to seek permission from a competent authority such as ‘Law Court’, Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board and so on.Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Free Press, in his speech stated that, in trying to solve an issue, one needs to identify its root cause. In this, he mentioned an example children working in workshops. In the general view, such cases were stamped as child labour. But one needs a deep probing, whether it is really child labour or appropriate. If the child working in a workshop is being ill treated, not provided proper care, being taken advantage, then it is a case of child labour. On the other hand, if the child has a tendency, aptitude to handle with mechanical equipments, if he is being sent these by his parents to learn mechanics, so that he can find a way to earn his livelihood in his future, then it can be taken as a sort of education. So such cases need a deep monitoring, he said.With regards to the mentioning of names, identities, address etc. by the media persons on their news on child related issues, there is a debate going on, whether to reveal the identities or hide it. This needs more debate between media persons, experts, psychologist and experts in the field adding that he also held that revealing and hiding the identities have two results. While explaining the results, he said that it creates trauma, invade the privacy and on the other hand hiding the identity may encourage the culprit to commit the crime again and again.In all, the child involved in cases such as rape, abuse etc. are the only one to suffer. They repressed the unwanted trauma from their conscious mind. But it sometimes arises or come out in their dreams in the form of nightmares. So, here, the intervention of experts, psychologist is very much essential.Sapam Dilip, Lecturer, LMS Law College, in this speech said that, children are provided with legal provisions, rights by the constitution, but they are unable to use it. So there lies a gap, vaccum. And here, media’s role plays an important part to fill this gap to raise their voice. Media’s role in the promotion of the child, be it their health, education, all round development. According to him, while reporting about one should consider the three principles which includes freedom to publish freely, to maintain the rights and privacy of the child and to keep in mind the interest of the public and further stated stressed the need to maintain balance while handling the news and also in child friendly way, using proper terminology so as to avoid hurting sentiments of the child.

Children continue to be at the receiving end

source-http://thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local_page-05.html
Kids working to earn a livelihood

IMPHAL, Dec 20 : Not-withstanding Article 45 of the Indian Constitution which guarantees free and compulsory education to all children of the country up to 14 years of age, a large number of children are being deprived of education due to poverty and gender bias on the part of the parents.13 year old Bidyarani is one such girl victimised by gender bias and poverty. In addition to economic woes, it seems Bidyarani’s parents are still caught in the early 20th century mindset of ‘what use is of educating a girl child’.After reading up to just class III, Bidyarani had dropped out. She is now helping her mother in daily chores of the family, looking her younger brothers in addition to assisting her mother in her profession of pottery.Bidyarani’s family are residents of Thongjao, about 60 kms from Imphal and her mother’s profession is pottery. Her father is a casual worker doing different odd jobs from time to time. She has two younger brothers and one younger sister.Though she is just 13, Bidyarani has learned the skill of making pottery. But what she wished is receiving proper education.“It has been three years since I stopped going to school. I could read English when I was studying but now I could not write any English word except my name”, the young girl said.One being asked why she stopped going to school, Bidyarani, then busy making flower-pots at the verandah, said “most of the time I did not attend classes”. “I stayed at home looking after my younger siblings. Then my mother asked me to quit schooling as she could no longer afford it. “Because of my persistent nagging, my mother has agreed to send me to school in class IV this time. My former classmates have already reached class VI. Yet, I don’t mind that”, she said.She quit schooling before giving final examinations of class III at Waikhong High School. His younger brother is reading at class III at the same school. The two younger siblings are yet to attend any school.“When I stayed back at home during the brief period of schooling, my teachers often urged my parents to send me to school regularly. I was also the class monitor”, Bidyarani reminisced. “I have been dreaming of becoming an educated woman but it seems I have to take over the profession of my mother”, the little girl moaned.When asked to Lalita, Bidyarani’s mother, as to why the young girl was pulled out of school, she narrated her helplessness to send her daughter to school as she been struggling very hard to earn a square meal a day.“Nowadays, education has become very expensive. She is a girl and she has learned how to read and write. We thought she should quit schooling so that her younger brother can study”, Lalita said.Cursing her inability to send her daughter to school, Lalita acknowledged that Bidyarani was a good learner.“We are thinking to admit her in class IV, in case we can spare some money this time”, the 30 year old mother said.On being enquired about the earning potential of pottery, Lalita said that a hard-working potter can earn Rs 1000 in a month.“But I cannot make much pottery as I have to look after my small kids too. At the most, I can earn up to Rs 500 in a month”, she said. “As she is no longer going to school, I asked Bidyarani to join in making pottery in spare time. It is also a custom and a necessity for every women of Thongjao to master the skill of making pottery for they no other source of income”, Lalita added.She said that Thongjao women are mostly engaged in making pottery unlike women of other parts of the State who are more active in weaving etc. To another question, Bidyarani said that many of her peers are attending classes on and off. “But it is only two or three of us who have completely quit schooling”, she added.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Needed - Defence Minister A.K. Antony

Army needs special powers to counter terrorism: Antony

2 hours, 45 minutes, 5 seconds ago

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): India's armed forces cannot counter terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast states without the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated categorically Friday.
'As long as their (armed forces) presence is necessary, they need special provisions. They cannot function without special powers (conferred on them under the act),' Antony told reporters.
'It has been because of the presence of the armed forces that the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir.... If police think they can do without the army, we will withdraw the troops. But if they want them to be deployed they need special provisions.'
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) on Internal Security: Duties and obligations in upholding Human Rights.
'Whenever we have felt that the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir, we have withdrawn troops. Last year, we have withdrawn two divisions and if we see the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir we will further reduce the visibility and presence of the armed forces,' he added.
There have been demands from several quarters, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) on grounds that it was leading to violation of human rights.
Abdullah has also met the defence minister to raise his concerns over what he termed as the misuse of the provisions of the AFSPA in the hands of the armed forces.
'Terror in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast and left wing extremism in certain pockets require continuance of dedicating time, resource and efforts. The situation is further complicated due to external support to perpetrators.
'One of the major challenges of the security forces is to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. In the process of combating terrorism, they may run the risk of being dubbed as authoritarian,' Antony added.
According to the minister, the AFSPA empowers forces to act in 'difficult situations'. 'We will not hesitate to take action if somebody is found guilty,' he said, addressing concerns about the misuse of the act.

CRY submitted it charter of Demand to Hon. President of India

4 hours, 42 minutes, 50 seconds ago

by Satya Gopal Dey
New Delhi, Dec 18 : A delegation from CRY- Child Rights and You met the President of India Ms. Pratibha Patil in the Capital December 16, to hand over a Charter of Demands on education that was signed by 7.7 lakh people across the country including people from different walks of life from the state of Manipur. 
They drew the President’s attention to the gaps that need to be filled to make sure that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 reaches every child in India. The delegation comprised CRY Directors, Ms.Puja Marwah, Ms.Yogita Verma and Mr.Dipankar Majumdar
“Smt. Pratibha Patil acknowledged the fundamental importance of education in human development and the consequent need for it to reach every single Indian child. We shared with her the results of our ‘Sabko Shiksha Samaan Shiksha campaign in which more than 7.70 lakh people from 18 States have signed a charter demanding equal quality education for ALL Indian children. We now want the government to accept these demands as voices from the ground and act upon making education a right for every child,” said Puja Marwaha, CRY’s Director.
The meeting comes in the wake of a public Walk and meeting organized by CRY on December 11 at Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, at which prominent activists like Jean Dreze from the Right to Food Campaign, Nikhil Dey from the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan and Advocate Ashok Aggarwal from Social Jurist spoke out about the urgent need to amend the Act in letter and in spirit, in order for this fundamental right to be attained by all Indian children. “CRY’s on-ground experience in the 6700 villages and slums we work in underscores what the recent Suresh Tendulkar Committee report has recommended to the Planning Commission and we are working on increasing support both within the government and outside, on India’s need to invest in basic rights such as education” said Marwaha. 
From the point of view of India’s children, the landmark Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 is limited in its scope. The charter seeks three key amendments in order to ensure this right for every one of India’s 440 million children. These amedments are , Inclusion of  children below 6 years as well as 15 to 18 years in the Act, 8th pass-outs are in no way adequately qualified – either for vocations or for life. Similarly, nursery school is the foundation for education. The Act needs to ensure a complete education for every child below the age of 18 years. It needs to build bulwarks to prevent drop outs, especially for girls where the drop out rate is high.   The second amendment is to make sure there is a school with qualified teachers and proper facilities within 1 kilometre of any habitation .No minimum standards have been defined for teachers, school infrastructure and facilities, including basics like drinking water, toilets, classrooms, teacher-student ratios etc. Similarly, even though it has been proven that a child learns best in the language spoken at home, the Act does not specify mother-tongue education as a medium of instruction, in addition to learning other languages. Curricula norms need to spell out that the content of education be relevant to who the child is and where she lives.     
The teacher, who is the key figure in a child’s learning, needs investment in improving qualifications, capacities and attitudes to be inclusive towards all children, and be well paid. The teacher’s role as an integral member of the community needs to be respected by not making these appointments on a short-term, contractual basis. Finally amendment in regards to Spend 10% of India’s GDP to education.Latest revised estimates show 38% of Indians to be under the poverty line. Unless education gets financial backing by the State, the situation of poverty is not likely to change. No country in the world has been able to reach universal education without the State funding schools. For 440 million children, the government’s spending on education has actually reduced. From 3.84% of the Union budget in the year 2008-2009, it is now down to 3.03%. Given that this right is for 40% of India’s citizens, the Act is heavily underfunded. Unless we put the State’s money into education, the Act will remain a paper tiger.
“Sabko Shiksha Samaan Shiksha campaign is a very timely campaign being facilitated by CRY” stated by  P.K. Biju a Member of Parliament from Kerala and member of Standing Committee on MHRD. “Without an appropriate financial memorandum, free and compulsory education would not be possible” Biju further stated while being at one with CRY demand for 10% GDP for education, during a telephonic interaction with the Kolkata correspondent of IFP.

Media Coverage by CCRP

Justice Agarwal conducting a spot assessment at BT Road

IMPHAL, Dec 16 : Two reporters of news magazine Tehelka who were su-mmoned by the Justuce PG Agarwal Commission to give their statement in co-nnection with the July 23 BT Road incident did not appear before the Commission today.  On the other hand, Justice PG Agarwal conducted a spot inquiry at BT Road today, the site of the incident.  The two reporters of Tehelka were summoned by the Commission to give their statement at 10.30 am today and the message was intimated to the Editor-in-chief of the news magazine, Tarun J Tejpal. The news magazine however did not respond to the summon.  Following the failure of the two reporters, another summon will be on them to appear before the Commission on January 4, through the police.  During today's hearing, colleague of P Lukhoi, who was injured in the incident, Thiyam James, an Assam Rifles personnel from Wangoi Thoudam Leikai gave his statement to the Commission.  As per his statement, James said that he had come from Churachandpur to return home on the said day and went to the fruit stalls at Dharamshala. After buying some mangoes, he proceeded to BT Road through the Family Welfare line and was walking on the southern side towards the west, when he heard his name begin called out.  While he was acknowledging the call, coming from Lukhoi, he heard reports of gun fire, said James and added that he ducked for cover.  James said that he did not see who opened the fire and added that after helping Lukhoi to reach RIMS in a van, he returned home.  Golmei Mangal, who was also among the injured persons in the incident could not appear before the Commission today to give his statement as he is at AIIMS undergoing treatment. After recording the statements, Justice PG Agarwal inspected the spots where Th Rabin and Ch Sanjit were killed. After conducting the spot inquiry as well as studying the photographs published in Tehelka, Justice Agarwal asked the owner of Sanapukei restaurant, located at the ground floor of Gambhir Singh Arcade, near Maimu pharmacy to come before the Commission on January 4. Justice Agarwal also questioned the salesmen Social Time Emporium, in whose godown, Sanjit was reportedly shot dead as well as the owner of Maimu pharmacy.

Three kids killed in blast in Ccpur

2009-12-16 | 03:37:16

Hueiyen News Service

Two bombs explode; another one fails

Imphal, December 15: At least three minor children between the age group of five and seven years were killed when a handgrenade they were playing with unknowingly exploded at a village in  interior part of Churachandpur district bordering with Mizoram today.

On the other hand, two of three bombs lobbed by suspected underground cadres exploded at individual homes located in Imphal while another bomb failed to explode.

The blast which claimed lives of three minor children occurred at Senvon village under Tipaimukh police station bordering with Mizoram  at about 11 am today, police said here.

The three children were playing with the bomb they found at an isolated place in their village this morning. Villagers believe that the handgrenade could have been fallen from underground cadres who took shelter at the village recently.

Bodies of the deceased children were badly mutilated, reports received here said. A team of police from Tipaimukh police station has gone to the village after receiving the information. Detailed reports are awaited.

The tragic incident happened two days after a mine-bomb went off at a village in Chandel district bordering with Myanmar on Sunday last. At least four persons including a 15 year boy travelling in a Shaktiman truck were injured in the blast.

The mine-bomb went off at about 12.30 pm near the Holenphai village, about 10 km from Moreh police station. The injured persons have been evacuated and being treated at Moreh community health centre. Reports said that the mine-bomb exploded when a Shaktiman truck loaded with rice-bags was going toward Holenphai village. The Shaktiman ran over the mine-bomb planted by unknown persons on the roadside.

Among the four wounded persons two were villagers of Holenphai while the rest two were the driver and handymen of the truck. Conditions of one of the injure villagers serious, the report added. Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, suspected militants performed a fail bomb attack at an oil filling station in Imphal east district this afternoon at about 3 pm.

The hand grenade was later defused and disposed off by personnel of the state police bomb squad at an open place.

The hand grenade was deposited at NRL Oil Filling Station located at Khurai Thangjam Leikai on the side of the NH-150 (Imphal-Ukhrul) by the miscreants suspected to be militants. Police suspect the bomb being hurled in connection with monetary demand from the proprietor of the oil filling station.

Another hand grenade was exploded at the house of an individual identified as Mayengbam Binod who is running a shop dealing with mobile recharge couple at Gambhir Singh Shopping Arcade this evening at about 5.40 pm.

The bomb hurled by miscreants went off main door on the roadside. Some damages caused to the house. Wife of Binod fainted when hear the blast sound. She was immediately hopsitalised at a hospital.

Mention may be made that on December 11 last also a bomb was hurled by suspected undergrounds exploded at the house of M Pramod, younger brother Binod.

The third bomb reportedly exploded at the gate of the house of the adhayaksha of Bishnupur Zilla Parishad this evening. The bomb attack was two days after four miscreants identified themselves to be cadres of a particular outfit set ablaze a vehicle (Gypsy) allotted to the Adhayaksha of Bishnupur district Zilla Parishad Sunday night at about 8 pm.

However, police when contacted said that no such incident of blast occurred in the area. But local reports said that the bomb blast at her gate and no human casualty caused.

Mention may be made that the government vehicle bearing registration no. MN5A-2010 allotted to Kshetrimayum Sorojini Devi, adhayaksha of Bishnupur Zilla Parishad was set on fire by the miscreant of Sunday night allegedly for not allowing to lend the vehicle to them.

Four unknown persons who identified themselves to be members of UNLF entered to her house and asked for the key of the vehicle.

DGP Manipur admits that the Arms conflict situation has affected the rights of women and children

Female cdos for CI Ops, says DGP
Irom Ashalata
IMPHAL, Dec 15: The wo-men police commando units which are going to be set up for the first time in Manipur would be also be utilised in the counter insurgency operations, Director General of Police (DPG) Y Joy- kumar has stated.
Talking to this reporter at his office chamber yesterday, DGP Y Joykumar in- formed that at present efforts are being made initially for setting up four women commandos units in each of the four valley districts. Each of the proposed units of the Imphal East and Im-phal West would have one Inspector, four SIs, five ASIs, 10 Head Constables and 60 Police Constables while one Inspector, two SIs, two ASIs, four Head Constables and 41 Police Constables would be in each of the proposed units of Bishnupur and Thoubal.
In response to a series of questions on the activities of the Police Department with regard to the welfare of women and children, the police officer admitted that prevailing law and order and conflict situation has affected women and children in the State. In order to solve these problems and in the hope that the number of crimes against women and children would come down if these cases were handled by women police themselves, steps have been tak- en up to set up women police commando units, wo- men police stations, women police reserve and Mahila Battalion.
Accordingly, nine wom-en police stations would be opened in all the nine districts of the State. In case of the four valley districts, construction of the buildings where these women police stations would be placed have been started and construction work in the five hill districts is expected to begin very soon. In each of these nine women police stations, 30 women police personnel including one in the rank of Inspector would be deployed. There is also plan for recruiting 228 reserved women police who would be attached with the women police stations to be set up in all the nine districts. In addition to this, ef- forts are being made for instituting a Mahila Battalion of 333 personnel, the DGP informed.
The fact that there are women police officers in the Police Department goes to illustrate that there is no discrimination against women police personnel, the DGP added.
He went on to inform that as of now the existing wo-men police personnel are trying their best in handling cases related to women and children. So, it is possible there may be some discontentment on the part of the public. But all these are expected to be resolved soon with more women police joi-ning the Department.
In connection with the is-sue of human trafficking, the DGP maintained that workshops, seminars and dis- cussion sessions are being conducted along with NGOs and law enforcement agencies to understand each other’s activities. NGOs have been extending their co-operation to the po-lice and the SDPOs in all the districts are being directed to take some responsibilities as and when cases of human trafficking are reported.
on how far the prevailing unsettling situation in the State is accountable for the reported involvement of women including lactating mothers in serving demand letters of UGs and transporting their guns, the DGP not- ed that all women victims of the conflict situation are not involved in such unwanted cases. It is those only those who are after easy money.
It is not the duty of the police alone to rehabilitate drug traffickers, commercial sex workers. It is the responsibility of all the agencies concerned in the society, he explained.
With regard to the activities taken up by the Police Department with special attention on children, the DGP mentioned open debate, essay writing and other competitions organised on the occasion of Police Raising Day.
There have been cases of pulling up minor children for their involvement in crimes. If the case is serious, it is referred to the court in accordance to Juvenile Justice Act and if it is that serious, then the parents are summoned for necessary advice.

Families of fake encounter victims pour out anguish before people’s panel

2 days and 13 hours, 30 minutes, 9 seconds ago

IMPHAL, Dec 11: The aggrieved family members of the victims of extrajudicial killings poured out their heartfelt anguish and grievances before the independent people’s tribunal on torture, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances which began today at the conference hall of the Retreat House, Mantripukhri.
The three days tribunal is being organized by Human Rights Law Network, HRLN, Manipur, in association with other human rights organizations like Extrajudicial Executions Victims’ Families Association, Manipur, Human Rights Alert, Human Rights Initiative, All Manipur NGOs Forum, Eastern Rural Development Centre, Kanglei Young Women’s Social Cultural organization and New Vision Manipur.
A panel of legal experts, namely justice KK Usha, former chief justice of Kerala High Court, justice DK Basu, former judge of Calcutta High Court, justice Moloy Sen Gupta, former acting chief justice of Sikkim, C. Upendra, retd. district and session judge of Manipur, Lisham Rabindra, retd. district and session judge of Manipur, and Yambem Laba, former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, along with other human rights activists will arbitrate.
Meihoubam Rakesh, director HRLN, expressed deep concern over frequent occurrence of fake encounters eliminations in the state which has claimed about 350 lives during this year alone and added that this tribunal is a platform where the aggrieved family members of the victims can share their grievances with legal experts freely and openly.    
One elderly woman, who is the mother of a victim of extrajudicial killing sobbed bitterly before the tribunal adn expressed her burning desire to take revenge upon the killers of his son. 
She cried out that she only wants to take revenge upon those commando personnel who had killed her lone son so inhumanely.
Kh. Subadani, the widow of (late) Khamnam Shantanu, who was killed in an alleged fake encounter at Naharup, said in distress that the inhuman security personnel have not only taken her husband’s life but also made the lives of her children miserable. 
She further added that her family has not received any sort of help from the government and the futures of her children are totally blurred without the husband who was the backbone of the family.
Laishram Prema, wife of  (late) Surjit, who was killed by combined forces at Moreh, strongly condemned the selfish motive of security personnel who can easily destroy someone’s life for a mere sum of money. 
She said that her husband was killed only for the reason that he possessed some amount of money for business purposes and added this heinous act of the security personnel has adversely impacted upon her kids whose futures have dimmed.
Many others from the victims’ families expressed discontent over the present administration which has led to such widespread atrocities in the state and made a clarion call to everyone to do everything to stop the inhumanity of extrajudicial executions and tortures which have totally marred the tranquility of the state.

 

AFSPA should be reassessed: MU VC

7 hours, 6 minutes, 48 seconds ago

IMPHAL, Dec 9: The vice-chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. C. Amuba has said that the AFSPA has to be discussed thoroughly by all sections of the people with respect to the Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, which says that all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. 
The VC of Manipur University made this observation while speaking at the function releasing a poster in connection with the observation of International Human Rights Day 2009 at the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University.
He further stated that the people should have a thorough idea of various rights enlisted in the UN charter of human rights and to cater such needs. The Manipur University is imparting human rights education through various short-term courses and in due course of time new PG and other courses will be added he added.
Prof. Ksh. Bimola, coordinator, Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, said the observation is important as the state has too many unresolved issues related to human rights violation. She also urged people to get adequate knowledge on human rights so that the whole society can stand united to uphold human rights in the state.
Prof. HNK Sharma, pro-VC of Manipur University, Prof. N. Lokendro, registrar, Dr. N. Shyamjai, finance officer and students attended.

Every 50 Manipuris are under the barrel of one CPMF man's gun

2009-12-09 | 03:38:21

Hueiyen News Service

Over 51,000 CPMF, 10,000 Army, 15,000 MR/IRB, 1,600 Cdos and 5000 civil police operating in state

Imphal, December 08: An approximate 51,000 Central security men are assisting 5,056 civil police to guard an estimated 25 lakh heads in trouble riddled state of Manipur where around 10,000 armed cadres of more than 39 militant outfits are operating. This can be estimated as a security man for every 50 heads.

The security man per head can be estimated at a security man for every 36 if state armed security and police are also counted. The total security men and police can be estimated at around 20,000 newly inducted police and IRB personnel. The number included civil police, police commandos, Manipur Rifles and Indian Reserved Battalions.

According to the latest security deployment chart available from various sources, a total of 41 battalions of Central Paramilitary Force (28 battalions of Assam Rifles, six battalions of Border Security Force and seven Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) are deploying at as many as 229 posts open across the state.

More over 10 more battalions of Army (Maratha Light Infantry, Gokha Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry are also in assisting the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police Commandos in the counter insurgency operation and internal security of the state.

An estimated 28,000 (1000 per battalion) personnel of 28 battalions of Assam Rifles who are taking major role in counter insurgency as well as guarding the international border with the Myanmar are opening their posts at as many as 133 posts across the state as per the latest deployment chart.

Battalions of the forces deploying in state are 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 36th, 39th, 42nd, 43th, 32/11 Field Regiment and 10 sector “B” Range, 27 sector Rear  are deploying in the said 133 posts.

The force has highest number of 34 posts in Chandel district, a border district of Manipur with Myanmar. Most of the posts located near the international borderline. Churachandpur district, another district bordering with Myanmar has the second with 24 posts.

With 16 posts, Ukhrul district has the third highest number of AR posts. This district also has border with Myanmar. It has 14 posts in Senapati districts, nine posts in Tamenglong, 13 in Thoubal district, 10 in Imphal east district, six in Imphal west district, seven in Bishnupur district.

These Assam Rifles are operating under the commands of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South)- IGAR (S) and 57th Mountain Division. The IGAR (S) covers Ukhrul, Chandel, Imphal east and west districts while 57th Mountain Division has its operations in the rest districts.

Assam Rifles are deploying with other Army establishments, Maratha Light Infantry, Gorkha Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry under the 57th Mountain Division.

Seven battalions (32th, 69th, 86th, 88th, 109th, 143th and 172nd) of the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) are also deploying in as many as 70 posts in the state. CRPF are mostly utilized in guarding VIP and VVIP and important installations and in the protection of national highway 53 from Imphal to Jiribam.

Border Security Force (BSF) has also six battalions in Manipur and they have 26 posts at various places mostly in valley areas and Jiribam sub division of Imphal east bordering with Assam state. Some of its posts also located along the Imphal-Jiribam section of the NH-53.

The six battalions of BSF deploying in the state are 88th, 112nd, 140th, 133th, 55th and 193th. These Central Security Forces is above the state’s six battalions of Manipur Rifles and Indian reserved battalions of manpower strength of 10,396 to assist the various civil police units of 5,056 strength.

State government is going revamp modernization under the Centre sponsored scheme, modernization of police force.

Manipur government has also recently decided to open nine more police stations above the existing 93 police stations.

According to the 2001 census report, the population of Manipur is 2,388,634 which now expected to 25 lakhs.The state is bounded by the states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west. It also borders Myanmar to the east. It covers an area of 22,347 square kilometres (8,628 sq mi).

A total of 39 different underground outfits including those 18 Kuki militants enjoying ceasefire with the security forces under the trilateral Suspension of Operation are operating in the state. Among then six outfits- Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), People's Liberation Army (PLA), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) are banned outfits.

Intelligence section of the state police department estimated around 10,000 armed cadres of these different outfits are operating actively in the state.

Manipur schools closure: boycott enters third month

source-http://www.indiatogether.com/2009/nov/edu-lockdown.htm

For over two months, young Manipuris have boycotted schools and colleges in the state. Two killings in broad daylight in Imphal, including one allegedly custodial, have resulted in the deadlock. Thingnam Anjulika Samom has more.


“When death is hanging over the head of all the people including students, it has become a big question whether the student community should continue with their studies or join the people's movement. -- All Manipur Students Union

25 November 2009 - Imphal - The question, which is more important ‘Right to Education’ or ‘Right to Life’ might sound like seeking an answer to which comes first, the egg or the chicken. Yet, for the past two months the people of Manipur in the northeastern periphery of the world's largest democracy have been entangled without a hope in the clutches of this riddle.

More than 3.59 lakh students from primary to higher secondary levels in 4136 schools in the valley districts of the state have stopped attendance in a mass confrontation with the state government. The non-attendance is a consequence of the conflict situation and counter-insurgency measures such as the impunity granted to security forces under the AFSPA, 1958.
Protestors burning effigies of Chief Minister Ibobi and the Director General of Police. Pic: Sobhapati Samom.

While the academic calendar each year is also often thrown asunder in the state by frequent public agitations against human rights violations and state's imposition of curfew in response, it was the fake encounter killing of a former insurgent and a pregnant housewife in broad daylight in the middle of busiest marketplace in Imphal on July 23 this year that has resulted in the current education deadlock in the state.
The figures are based on 2007-8 numbers from the Planning and Statistics Section of the State Directorate of Education. The actual number of students staying home could be much higher. They do not include students enrolled in 71 colleges listed with the Directorate of Education (U) as well as the Manipur University. Student details for the current academic year are still not available with both the Directorates.

While announcing the boycott, the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) emphasised the necessity of joining the agitation in view of the insecurity of life in the state.

What made the event different from the 'normalcy' defined by the routine of daily killings both by state and non-state forces, was that the killing of former insurgent Chungkham Sanjit was captured on the lens of a photographer who still remains anonymous for obvious reasons of safety. Manipuris claim after seeing the photographs that it was a case of custodial killing. Seven months-pregnant Thokchom Rabina, also killed in the same incident, was shopping for bananas in the crowded market with her two-and-half year old son. Five other civilians were injured in the incident.

Police placing Chungkham Sanjit's body besides Thokchom Rabina's (not seen). Pic: Sobhapati Samom.

The event might have met the same fate and ended after a round of fruitless dharnas and demands as is the case of most conflict related deaths in Manipur, but for the publication of the series of pictures by New Delhi-based magazine Tehelka showing that Sanjit was in police custody when he was killed.

The pictures reproduced in the local papers became new evidence and catalysed the Manipuri fire, made long dormant by continuous killings, denial of justice and systems of reparation. The result was a public movement demanding resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on moral grounds, punishment to the involved policemen and repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

For it's part, the government has not adopted measures of dialogues and negotiations. It responded with curfew and by detaining as many as eight public leaders including three women under National Security Act (NSA) which allows for preventive detention without trial for six months but extendable for up to one year. Bandhs, sit-in-protests and torch rallies were met by stern police action in the form of rubber bullets and tear gas shells.

When all efforts were thus brutally subdued, three major student bodies in the state – All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) and Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) joined the public outcry and called an indefinite class boycott in the state starting from September 9 last in an attempt to pressurise the state government.

While announcing the boycott, the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) emphasised the necessity of joining the agitation in view of the insecurity of life in the state. Adding that many innocent persons including students have fallen victim to frequent cases of fake encounters, it stated, “When death is hanging over the head of all the people including students, it has become a big question whether the student community should continue with their studies or join the people's movement. Rather than waiting to be killed in fake encounters, the student community too will join the mass movement for a secure future.”

Closure widespread in three valley districts
The present boycott has mostly affected the schools and colleges in three valley districts of the state – Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur. Of the 785 schools recognised by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, as on February 2, 2009, Imphal West and Imphal East districts have the highest concentration of 183 and 142 schools respectively. Bishnupur has 71 recognised schools.

Of the 785 schools mentioned above, 224 are government schools, 85 are government aided while 476 are private schools. The BSEM conducts the high school leaving certificate examinations. On the other hand, the Council of Higher Secondary Education, which conducts the higher secondary exams, recognises 138 institutes in the state including colleges and higher secondary schools providing higher secondary courses.

The fourth valley district of Thoubal which has 123 recognised schools remains mostly unaffected perhaps because it is the home district of not only chief Minister Okram Ibobi, but also that of PWD minister K Ranjit who is one of the most influential persons in the state cabinet.
Classes in the five hill districts – which have altogether 266 schools recognised by the BSEM -- are continuing as usual. But there is the fear that if the boycott continues and the state board exams are affected (rescheduled), the hill districts' efforts in keeping schools running might come to nought. This apprehension is fuelled also by the fact that most of the educational institutes in the state are concentrated in the valley districts.
Signs of tiring out, as attempt to end impasse fails

But even while students in Manipur spent the last two months catching up with their games, TV and friends when they should have been preparing for or even giving their final examinations, the government has sat adamantly in a silent vigil waiting for the protestors to tire out.
Indeed, tired out by the impasse, various guardians’ organisations, and private school bodies as another students group Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) started appealing for resumption of classes. What ensued was a debate which became increasingly acidic with each press release and public meeting. The AMSU, MSF and KSA in their defense questioned which one is more important – ‘Right to Life’ or ‘Right to Education’. They asked whether there would be a guarantee for their lives if the class boycott was suspended.

Taking advantage of the developing fracas, on November 7, the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government led by chief minister Ibobi called for resumption of classes from November 9 onwards with policemen guarding the schools. But as the matter was still unresolved, the boycott continued, and attendance in both government and private schools was minimal. At the time of writing, the boycott stands and schools are still closed.

The Apunba Lup, a conglomerate body of numerous organisations, as well as the three agitating students’ bodies rejected the call for resumption of classes. The body said that main agenda of the SPF government seems to not only confuse the people by pretending to welcome negotiated settlement of the issues at hand but also reflects lack of seriousness and commitment to find solutions.

The government’s decision to prise open educational institutions deploying security personnel was against the spirit of efforts to sort out differences through negotiations, opined the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, through the local press. This was a clear demonstration that the government would use all its resources to dilute the three months-old movement, said the committee. The All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association (AMRPSWA) has also decried the government's attempt to open educational institutions rather than sorting out and ending the impasse through mutual consultation and amicable settlement.
Parents impacted, school administrators speak out

Both the government’s failure to resolve the issue as well as the continued boycott have irked a sizeable section of the population. Mother of two school-going students, S Tombi Devi of Singjamei in Imphal West district says about the impasse, "When it is hard to cope up when my children does not attend school for even a single day, how will they (parents) ever be able to manage with this boycott for over two months now? We are paying extra for private tuitions now, and above that spending so much time overseeing their studies and their time at home that we can't go about our normal societal and daily duties.”

Dr K Nabachandra, principal of privately-owned Herbert School in Imphal West District states, "We feel that the government has failed to take the initiative they ought to have taken to resolve the current impasse. In all seriousness and sincerity required in dealing with the present imbroglio, they should first create an amicable atmosphere for talks. Only then will this situation be normalised.”

Two lone schoolchildren attending class in a school in Thoubal district. Pic: Sobhapati Samom.
“We are pained by this hardened stand of the government. On the other hand, we don't want the students alone to suffer on a public issue. When all other sections of the society, be it businesspersons, office employees or industrialists are going on with their normal routine, why should only the students who are young, innocent and too immature to understand the pros and cons of the public issue, be penalised," he said, reiterating his appeal for a dialogue between the two parties to speed up resumption of normal classes.

AMRPSWA further appealed to both the government and the agitators to make concerted effort for resolving the crisis within November 19 so as to enable resumption of normal academic activities. The government has ignored this deadline too, and the agitating parties are continuing their protests. One can only wait and see whether both sides will work in sincerity to settle the matter, but it goes without doubt that a stitch in time probably would have saved nine.
If the government had acted firmly and judiciously two months ago by booking those involved in the July 23 case -- one of the most atrocious cases of custodial killing -- perhaps things would not have come to this pass. Young Manipuris are now forced to choose between the ‘Right to Life’ and ‘Right to Education’ -- a choice which probably no one, especially one living in a democratic state like India, should be forced to make. ⊕
Thingnam Anjulika Samom 25 Nov 2009