Testimony of Smt. Leishungbam (O) Sakhenbi Devi, Ragailong blast

I, Smt. Leishungbam (O) Sakhenbi Devi aged about 30 years, W/O of (L) Sh. Leishungbam Debendro Singh, R/O Khurai Sajor Leikai, Ukhrul Road,  P.O. & P.S. Lamlong, District Imphal East, 795010, would like to share the pain and sorrow of losing my loving husband in the Ragailong Bomb blast. On 21^st October 2008, the evening the bomb exploded, he was loitering outside the compound of our house when he received a phone call from his close friend Naoten, the friend who died with him at the Ragailong blast. Naoten was inviting him to go to Thangmeiband for some work. They went away together around 6.30 p.m. and before leaving, my husband called out from outside our gate that he would be returning early. They did not return home for a long time. I suspected nothing as my husband was not in the habit of using drugs, alcohol, smoking cigarettes, gambling or any other bad activities. I was waiting for him to eat dinner together when I heard a loud explosion around 7-7.30 p.m. Ten minutes after the blast took place, one lady who identified herself as wife of a commando personnel, made a phone call to my husband’s elder sister, who resides at Keishampat Leikai. This lady gave information about the involvement of my husband at the Ragailong blast and if they happened to know the owner of the mobile phone, they should inform their respective relatives and immediately go to the Hospital. My husband’s sister after receiving the phone call immediately called us and informed us to go to the Hospital.

My relatives went to the Hospital and informed us through telephone that my husband has been killed in the Ragailong blast. The news of his death was unbelievable, I started shouting unable to accept the news and I fell unconscious. The whole night I was at the hospital. The next day my husband’s lifeless body was brought home after performing post mortem. I also returned home after medical treatment from the hospital. My situation became more serious after I saw the body of my husband. I became uncontrollable and my parents and relatives consoled me and they begged me to think for the future of my two young children, one was 3 years old and the younger one was only three months old.  I was inconsolable and fainted repeatedly and became very weak. The last rites were performed accordingly, followed by a series of agitations against the blast. The barbaric activity of the terrorist who triggered the bomb was condemned. The Chief Minister of Manipur offered Rs. One lakh as ex-gratia,to compensate the death of my husband.

There were numerous changes after his death. I was badly traumatized and remained sick most of the time. My youngest son, who was just three months old when his father died, became very sick in February 2009. He developed high temperature accompanied with patches of swelling on the body, and despite consulting a pediatric specialist, his condition worsened. After undergoing medication for four days in Imphal, we went to Gauhati for further treatment. The doctors in Gauhati Hospital gave the result as Seritis disease and medicated him with strong anti-biotic and performed blood transfusion on the feet of the child. I was depressed and felt miserable what was going to happen to my child. After the transfusion, he recuperated slowly and till today, with Gods graciousness, the disease did not reoccur again. I suffered from inferiority complex, I refused to go out and mingle with friends or relatives. I was at home almost all the time near my children. I did not attend any ceremony except the religious necessary rites performed for my husband. I developed severe back pain and joint pain. The ultra sound report showed stone in the gall bladder and I underwent gall bladder operation in March 2011. My in-laws bore all the expenditure for myself and my children’s ailment.

My children started growing up steadily and time came for them to go to school. I realized it is not necessary to waste time at home and I must earn money for sustaining my family. My mother-in-law and my husband’s brothers are good to me. My husband was the youngest son in our family and all the family members showed care and concern to me and my children. They opened a shop for selling dry fish items for me. Presently I am selling dry fishes at Khurai Bazaar which is adjacent to our house and the business is prospering.  

I feel afraid and gets irritated with loud sounds or explosion of firecrackers and stay indoors during Diwali season. My life is destined to live in the absence of a husband and I should be ready to face any situation for me and my children. I am glad my in-laws are there for me to face any circumstances. I pray to God for the welfare of my children and also pray to God to make the soul of my husband rest in peace.

Testimony of Smt. Samuralaitpam (O) Shanti Devi, blast victim of Sangakpham

I, Smt. Samuralaitpam (O) Shanti Devi aged about 30 years, W/O  Sh. Samuralaitpam Joykumar Singh, R/O Lei Ingkhol, Chingmeirong, P.O. Heingang , P.S. Heingang, Imphal East District, 795010, would like to testify how I encountered the terrible Sangakpham blast on 2^nd August 2011.

The day the bomb blast occurred i.e. 2^nd of August 2011, I went to Keishampat with my maternal mother to meet my nephew. After the meeting, we took a passenger auto rickshaw for returning home to Lei Ingkhol Chingmeirong. When we reached D.M. College, my husband called me and asked me to get fish from the market. Since, we were about to reach home, I decided to buy the fish from Sangakpham Bazaar. I made my mother wait for me near the diversion road of Lei Ingkhol and Sangakpham, as it would be inconvenient for her to cross the road. The first shop at Sangakpham Bazaar was closed so I went to another fish shop below the NEROCA building. I was climbing the stairs and at the same time asked the shopkeeper whether they have large fish weighing 1-2 kilogram. Before the shopkeeper could answer my question, I heard a loud blast accompanied with black smoke. The place where I was standing was completely engulfed with black smoke and dust. The sound was so intense I felt as if it has pierced my eardrum, I lifted both my hands and pressed my ears. The shopkeeper shouted that it was a bomb blast and we should vacate the shop immediately. I felt a hot sensation flowing down my right arm. The shopkeeper saw the blood and told me I am fatally injured. My right hand was bleeding profusely and my arm was drenched with blood. I was shocked and fell short of words how to express my situation. My right hand was critically injured with some finger bones protruding out from the palm. I was confused and became incoherent on what I am supposed to do. I walked out from the shop and saw bomb blast wreckage and people screaming and running to and fro in the midst of the black smoke and dust. The cable, telephone and electric wires were hanging down from the poles. I could not see clearly owing to the smoke and dust. I got startled when something fell down beside me with a loud thud. I rubbed my eyes to see clearly what it was, and to my astonishment, it was a body of a person ruptured by the high intensity of the bomb blast. The body was without arms and without legs from knee. It turns out to be the dead body of the insurgent who had triggered the bomb. My body was hurting and paining from the shrapnel injuries on my head, face, neck, arms, stomach and leg. I was confused what to do and someone from the fish shop brought clothes to wrap my hand in order to stop the bleeding. Mr. German of Sangakpham Bazaar was grievously injured on his right leg in the blast. I saw him lying against the tree trunk helplessly with bone protruding out from his right leg. He was in shock, pain and agony. Many commandos reached the blast area and started searching for dead bodies and injured people. I was sitting down and nobody saw me in the beginning. Then, I saw my mother searching and calling my name. She saw me and ran towards me and asked my condition. With the help of the police and my mother, we went to RIMS Hospital for medication. I was in the hospital for 22 days.

My right hand was damaged from the blast so badly that the doctors had difficulty in dislodging the two iron pieces. I underwent two operations on my right hand for mending and straightening the bones. The pain from the broken bones was in tolerable. The doctors removed several splinters from my head, face, neck, arms, stomach and leg. I felt very uncomfortable inside my ears and now after few months the ringing sound has disappeared.  The doctors prescribed strong pain killers and antibiotics. I was on medication for more than two months. My right hand is not normal from the operation and I cannot wash clothes or mop the floors. I am using my left hand and both the feet to wash and squeeze our clothes. I have five small children, an aged mother-in-law and father-in-law along with my husband. They all depend upon me for household chores and I am facing serious hardship with my handicapped right hand not able to perform any work. My husband construct brick houses and I accompany him for helping as well as earning money before the blast. Now I am helpless, the bomb blast has rendered me to a vegetable state. My husband borrowed a huge sum of money on my operation and medication. We are not financially sound with so many members in our family. My hand injury has caused more financial constraints.

After the blast, I cannot go or pass towards the blast area, the painful memories flashes back and I get troubled and terrified. I fear another blast may occur and I may die. I tried my best not to cross the blast area and avoid any work towards the bomb blast area. During the Diwali, my children and neighbors burnt firecrackers near my house. I got irritated and furious. I shouted and scolded them not to burst the firecrackers in my surrounding. I tried to make them understand that I cannot tolerate loud sounds.

After the blast, a Joint Action Committee was formed to agitate against the killings. There was commotion, strikes, bandhs etc in protest against the bomb blast. The poor are the main victims of the blast. The insurgents involved in the blast should be punished for causing so much hardship to the innocent citizens.

Wide Angle group at the exhibit stall on the occasion of the World Aids Day held at 1st MR Parade Ground

media acknowledgement

http://ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=3154&catid=1
Imphal Nov. 24:    Women Survivors Network (WSN) ,a network body of women victims who are from the background of armed conflict held a meeting on Thursday at Sanghakpham as per initiative by  Wide Angle. At the said meeting , the members of WSN and their family members expressed their gratitude to the State Government for entitlement of exgratia of the Sangakpham bomb blast victims which occurred on  August 1,the ex gratia amount was handed over to the family members at the Porompat DC office complex on November 23, a press release by Wide Angle coordinator L Miranjan said.

The family members also voiced their gratitude to CORE, AMSU, AMUCO, Wide Angle and the JAC, different meira paibi organizations and individuals who contributed their valuable supports in terms of money, medicine, health care and various support while organizing sit in protests, submission of memoranda.

Accordingly, family of the deceased got 2 lakhs, severely  injured persons got 1 lakh and persons with minor injuries received 30 thousand, but this money has no place to return the lives of our loved family members, the aggrieving members had said . They also appealed all authorities and armed groups not to repeat such incident in the future, the release said

Press Conference on EU project by Wide Angle at Manipur Press Club on November 20

IMPHAL November 20: Yambem Laba, founder member of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) while welcoming the cabinet decision of the state government to establish a State Commission for Protection of Child Rights asserted that, unlike the non-functioning MHRC, the state government must initiate appropriate steps to ensure that the Child Commission be a proper effective body which tenders to needs of the child and prevent child rights violation in the State.

Briefing mediapersons at Manipur Press Club today, he said that the members of the commission must also be proficient to tackle the child right issues and the concerned state authorities should be apolitical in nominating the members for the said commission.

“ The commission according to its guidelines must at least have a member who holds office at the rank of a secretary in the state administration, because through him, we have to tender the recommendations of the commission to the state government for effective and speedy redressal” , he said.

He further mentioned that the concept of child rights violation is perceived by the public as mostly child labour wherein there are different forms of exploitation of the child. Among the flagship programs of the Union government,the RTE scheme provides ample nourishment and free education to children among other facilities. Laba alleged that it is an undoubted fact that the schemes for benefiting children are not implemented in totality in the state. “ If the state commission for children is established, then the commission will be the monitoring body to assess the loopholes and further to rectify it, the commission will be an effective recommendatory body for child rights issues”, he said.

Laba, who is also chairman of European Union project implemented by Wide Angle, a voluntary people’s collective stated that as part of the project, it was urged to state legislators to establish the commission at the earliest by the body and the endeavour was also reciprocated by the ministers and MLAs by signing a declaration urging for the same. He acknowledged sixteen legislators including four cabinet ministers whom Wide Angle approached for tendering their endorsement.

Montu Ahanthem, secretary of Wide Angle supplementing Laba said that the establishment of the commission would go a long way in tackling problems afflicting children of the state in multiple aspects. He said that cases of child rights violation can be speedily tackled by the commission and exhaustive measures need not be taken to intimate the National Commission for every arising singular child right issue.

Retired director of Social Welfare Department and steering committee member of Wide Angle, S Sarat also applauded the cabinet resolve and stated that planning and budgeting for establishing the commission is required by the state government at the outset, but the commission must be made functional at the earliest, he said. He further mentioned that there regulatory norms of the commission may need to be streamlined so as to be compatible with the prevalent scenario of the State. 

Testimony of Thounaojam (O) Pyari Devi

I, Thounaojam (O) Pyari Devi aged about 33 years W/o Late Sh. Thounajam Boro Singh, R/O  Kwakeithel Awang Thiyam Leikai, P.O. Imphal, P.S. Lamphel, Imphal West District would like to testify the day my husband was picked up from the rehabilitation centre and later declared shot dead in an encounter.

I live with my daughter, Velentina who is studying in Standard IV at St. Peter School near my marital home while my husband was put up at Rehabilitation Center at ‘New Life Centre’ at Oinam owing to his bad habit of taking drugs. Earlier, my husband was connected with underground group but had left. We kept him in the rehabilitation centre as a patient, he improved considerably and on goodwill he became a cook at the centre.

On 5^th January 2009, Police Commandos of Singjamei came to our house, asking for my husband but having no doubt, I told them the whereabouts of my husband. Later in the evening around 6:30 pm we received a phone call from the rehabilitation centre informing us that commandos had taken him along with them. We started enquiring about his whereabouts. We contacted my younger brother-in-law who is in Manipur Police and to the local MLA. However, no information of such an arrest was known. Next early morning my father in-law went to the rehabilitation centre and enquired which dress he was wearing when the commandos arrested my husband. I was at home busy feeding the chickens which also sustains our livelihood, when my daughter came running with the news paper and showed me a photo of dead person and asked  if that was her father. I saw his black shirt and started yelling at the courtyard if anybody had gone to the morgue to enquire or not, however no one gave a reply. My younger brother went to the morgue and brought home the dead body.

Report was made by the police commando that at Ningombam Lamkhai, while the commandos were on their round for checking on the  roadside, my husband was told to stop and instead he fired back to the police and in that encounter had died. The police made allegations that my husband belonged to the insurgent group PREPAK. The police did not reveal that my husband was arrested from the rehabilitation centre and was later killed in an encounter. The PREPAK group clarified in the newspaper that my husband had no relations with their group.

When he was alive, he was good to everyone and helped my father-in-law in running the rice mill. We were happy and contented and everyone was supportive. My daughter and I started experiencing a roller coaster ride of misery after the death of my husband. My in-laws started ill-treating us every day, we felt so ashamed to live with them due to their behavior. I was told to live in a single small room after his death. They came out with new methods daily to harass us. My mother-in-law complained everyday that walking to and fro inside the room makes more dirt and noise and we should be silent and move lesser for everybody’s convenience. They purposely complain and behave as if they do not want us to live in the family. I work at SASO and sometimes bought vegetables for sharing with them. They are happy when I buy something for them, otherwise they make every excuses to ill treat us. I was confused whether to mourn the death of my husband or face mal treatment from the in-laws. I controlled my patience and waited till the end of phiroi (ritual of first death anniversary) of my husband. Unable to tolerate with their attitude, I went to live at my maternal house. Nobody from my husband’s family stopped us nor made contact or visited us after I left. We were never enquired on special occasion/festivals, which disappoint me much. When I visited the house they do not talk to us properly. We are like a taboo for them and presently they are trying their level best not to provide the share of my husband’s property.

I have not lost hope in living boldly, my daughter is my inner strength and both of us should support each other and lead a beautiful life. We have still a long way to go and I pray to God that He guide us in every step we take. When my husband was alive everyone in the family and people from our locality respect me. Now, all the respect, self esteem and admiration have faded. I am looked upon as a taboo in the society. However, I should not lose hope, I must live be strong enough to tackle the future. We did not receive ex-gratia on account of his death. I am weaving and selling traditional clothes for our daily welfare. I have to be strong and positive with life for my daughter. 

Testimony of Smt. Salam (O) Pooja Devi

I, Smt. Salam (O) Pooja Devi aged about 30 years, W/O (L) Salam Jack  Singh, R/O Kwakeithel Laishram  Leikai, Moirang Purel P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District, 795001, would like to share how my husband was assassinated by the underground cadres. He was 26 years old when he was killed by the UG cadres at the hillock of Mayang Langjing. My husband was habitual drug user when he was alive.  Owing to his bad habits, his parents and I decided to keep him at the jail for some time. We had kept him at a Rehabilitation Centre, however there was no improvement, therefore we decided to keep him locked up. He then had met and mingled with underground cadre’s, inside the jail, who were involved in extorting money from the public. Before he left the jail, my husband and the underground cadre’s made contact with some people with the agenda of extorting money. After his release from the jail, he stared running errands for them under the instruction and guidance of the group. One fine day he went to deliver demand letter and fixed the day for collecting the money.

On 1^st October 2006, around 11.30 a.m, my husband went away with his friend Abungcha, for some work which he did not disclose to us. He did not return till late in the afternoon and we became anxious and started asking his friends if they happened to meet him. None of his friends were aware about his whereabouts. Brother of Abungcha came to our house at 7.30 p.m. and informed us that they have been arrested and we should start arrangement for their release. One of our relatives came around 9.30 p.m and informed us that my husband has been killed and the body was found at Mayang Langjing. I was not able to believe any of the information and waited anxiously for his arrival. Next day, our relatives brought the dead body from the morgue. I could not believe what was happening. I was dumbstruck, it appears if he would call out to me. I went to the courtyard where my husband was lying and checked his body. There were injury marks on the right leg and he was shot mercilessly on the right temple. After seeing and touching the body I realized and believed that my husband is dead and would never return to me and the children. It came in the newspaper that he was killed by the UNLF cadres on the ground of extortion. 

We did not seek for magisterial enquiry neither we cause any agitation in the form of bandh or rally upon his death.  According to the information of the eye witness, my husband was arrested by the UNLF cadres from the place where he was receiving the extortion money. The person who was giving the money had preplanned and made arrangement for his arrest and murder. The insurgents took him towards Langjing and he was harassed and tortured before shooting him to death.

The day my husband went away from the house, I never knew he will not return home. He was a simple person without any fault and wrong doings, the only problem he had was his bad habit of taking drugs at regular interval. He was always good to me and would make me and our children happy. He was not able to give up his bad habits and got himself involved with dishonest and evil people inside the jail.  We regretted so much why we had put him in the jail for his bad habit of taking drugs. He had no relation with any group and he was used by the people inside the jail and everything went wrong. He would have been with us if he had not met the insurgents inside the jail.  Life has changed considerably after the death of my husband, I felt like committing suicide thinking how to raise my two young children alone. My mother-in-laws started ill treating me and two children which led me to take my children and return to my maternal home at Porompat. I asked and enquired for schemes available with the State and central Government. My children are studying in Sunrise Public School at Uripok and staying in the school boarding. I have not lost contact with my mother-in-law. I contact them regularly and she comes to meet her grand children regularly. I do not own BPL card for getting the monthly ration.

I decided after few months of my husband’s death that it is no use to lament at home. I have two children whom I had to raise and nourish. I am living for my children, I feel I should be strong and confident for them. They should not feel orphaned in the society when I am alive. I get discriminated on various accounts being a widow. I will stand for them and no one should discriminate my children as long as I am alive. The pain and sorrow of losing my husband haunts me day and night, it is not easy to live in the absence of my husband, however, this is my fate, and I have to accept and adjust to live without his presence. My two children are my strength and I will live for them.

Declaration of MLAs on Establishment of Child Rights Commission

Testimony of Smt. Sinam (O) Mamta Devi

I, Smt. Sinam (O) Mamta Devi aged about 29 years, W/O  (L) Sinam Injit  Singh, R/O Marjing, Sekmai, P.O. & P.S. Sekmai, Imphal West District, would like to share the incident of my husband’s death in the hands of unidentified persons. He was involved in contract works with his friends. He was good natured and lovable person. My husband was an innocent person and had no relations with any underground outfits.

On 27^th January 2005, he went to have dinner with his local friends towards Awang (North) Leikai in the evening around 5-5.30 p.m. He had returned towards our home after having the food, however, halfway from home some people had called him away from the main road towards the river bank. Later, we heard gun shots around 7-7.30 p.m. and we became alarmed about his whereabouts. My relatives and friends of our locality started searching for him in our area. My relatives went towards the river side and had found his bullet riddled body lying at the river bank. And, in the meantime, I also joined the search along with one of my aunt. One person informed my aunt about the body of my husband lying lifeless at the river bank, the individual who passed the information did not see me in the darkness and had casually informed her. On hearing the news of his death, I fainted at the spot.

 Our youngest daughter was just three months old when he died. Nobody in our village was able to inform about the people who killed my husband. No one witnessed the incident and till today no one has claimed the responsibility for his death. The death of my husband came in the local newspapers. There was no claim from any insurgent group or from the security forces. The police took the body to the hospital and post -mortem was performed. An FIR was lodged accordingly, however no one was able to do anything as the killers had disappeared mysteriously. Till today, the death of my husband still remains unsolved.

My sorrowful and dreadful life started after the death of my husband. I was in a dilemma on how I have to live without my husband. I was traumatized and distressed with my future life. Somehow I developed the strength for the sake of my children. One senior lady from our locality came to my support. She loaned some amount with on small percentage in interest and insisted me to start a grocery shop at the gate of my house. Till today, the shop is running successfully and I am partly able to sustain my children from the profit from the shop.

In the meantime, I faced a lot of discrimination from the society. Men often asked undesirable questions and women too questioned and made assumptions regarding my movements. I tussled with these people on numerous occasions and with repeated fights, but slowly, the scenario changed and people stopped their misconduct. Nowadays, I have started going out to attend important occasions and occupied myself in running my grocery shop.

We did not receive any ex-gratia for the death of my husband. The FIR which was lodged is still pending with no further pursuance of the case by the concerned, as no one cooperates to give information about my husband’s death. At present, I do not own a separate BPL card as my house number is same with my in-laws. I am just living for the sake of my two young children. I feel I should be strong and confident in the society for them and their future. My children need my support and my confidence has developed tremendously because of them. As long as I am alive I will do my best for their welfare.

Media Advocacy by Wide Angle

Editorials 

For the Children

Leader writer : Paojel Chaoba

Times are tough,no need to describe the sufferings of the public. The economic blockade still enforced by the UNC leaves us in a status quo. Among the major wants is fuel, serpentine queues are still witnessed and one has to wait long hours in the sun to get the rationed amount.

The unavailability of petrol creates a domino effect to the entire system. The education sector is also affected as school vans cannot transport students and private schools had to close down for the day. Similarly teachers find it hard to attend their duties due to the predicament.

Such issues need to be monitored by the government and at present it is clearly evident that the SPF ministry had left much wanting in its governance. The flagship schemes for the child, Sarva Sikhsya Abhiyan, mid day meals etc are aimed for the benefit of the child, but is much debatable if the norms so laid down under the provisions of the schemes are implemented in totality. The recent scam of an assistant inspector of Bishnupur district caught selling off rice meant for students by the school monitoring committee is an eye opener, there must be myriad similar scams being perpetrated, especially at the hill areas. 

The implementing bodies of the government are there but the need for a monitoring body to assess and take preventive measures for the welfare of the child, a State Commission for Protection of Child Rights must be instituted at the earliest.

The Convention on the Rights of the child (CRC) was adopted as a treaty body in the UN on 20th November 1989. India signed and ratified the CRC on 11th December 1992. On signing and ratifying the Convention, India is mandated to monitor and enforce this treaty.

In  2011, we have a year left for India to submit its periodic report on the implementation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child in 2012. Cutting closer to home, on just the surface of the point lies many schools, where children under 18 years of age goes, closed under the reeling crunch of fuel shortages among others. How do we explain this scenario in our various reports on the implementation of CRC, notwithstanding the fact that RTE 2009 has been passed, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is still in progress, Juvenile Justice(Care and Protection) Act 2006 has been passed with due amendments, Integrated Child Protection Scheme has been initiated and implemented with due budgetary allocations and many others which necessarily paves way for the best interests of the child to survive, to develop, to participate and to be protected, including special protection in situations of emergency and armed conflict.

Human rights activism in Manipur is not mere heresay and it’s a serious matter including those of child rights. Civil society’s reaction to the rampant kidnapping of children, closure of schools, trafficking have resulted in positive response even from the government in earlier years. Dissemination of information and awareness building amongst the stakeholders about the pertinence of child rights in shaping a better tomorrow has not seen the end of the day. Effective and strategic efforts define the working of many an organisation for children in a place like Manipur where children are often denied of childhood, be it be drugs, armed conflict, displacement, or simply failure of the governance system.

Juxtaposed with  this impending emergency of bandhs and blockades, where children are consistently and continuously denied of basic health care, nutrition, adequate standard of living(read electricity), denied of the right to be educated, to leisure and above all denied of the right for their views to be respected or should we say denied of a space to be heard at all.

Where do we go from here? No doubt we have our Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards in place under the purview of the JJ Act, which the government was almost compelled to pass due to a PIL filed by child right activists in 2000. But that is still a limited arena for the varied and manifold spectrum of rights that need to be fulfilled for a child to live a dignified life and to maketh a better Manipur. We are aware that CRC is being implemented and the state government will endeavor to fulfill the rights of the child in all its capacity but who will monitor the progress and who will take compliance?

Significantly, the Commission for the Protection of Child Rights Act 2005 has been enacted and a National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights has been duly formed in 2007. Officials from this National Commissions has come to Manipur to conduct public hearings to look into the violations of child rights and instructed the state government to take necessary actions. So far, 12 states have constituted the State Commissions for Child rights including that of Assam, Sikkim, Goa, Delhi, Karnataka, Bihar, Rajasthan etc. Manipur was one of the foremost state to constitute a State Human rights Commission, procrastinated on setting up the Manipur State Commission for Women and we believe that the State Commission on the protection of child rights will soon see the day once our legislators get pro-active on an issue which is so deemed necessary in our state, in our land which we know for sure that we do not inherit from our ancestors but borrow it from our children. 

Husband killed in fake encounter

Testimony of Smt. Ningthoujam (O) Adina Devi

I, Smt. Ningthoujam (O) Adina Devi aged about 30 years, W/O  (L) Ningthoujam Anand Singh, R/O Top Moirang Kampu Makha Leikai P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, 795010, would like to testify the happenings of the day my husband went away from home and later found killed in an encounter with the Police commandos. My husband was an innocent person and he was not involved in any kind of insurgency activity. He was carrying out contract works with his friends. He was good natured, caring and loving person when he was alive.

On 21^st January 2009, around 10-10.30 a.m, my husband received a phone call from a friend and he went out from our house with his friend Mahend on his scooter. My daughter saw him leaving with his friend Mahend. He did not return home till 2 p.m. and when I called him he did not received the call. Later, according to eye witness, he was arrested from the complex of Dhana Manjuri College North A.O.C along with his friend around 1 p.m. His scooter was taken inside the vehicle of the Police Commando and they were taken to the isolated area of Makhan Village at Senapati District. In the late afternoon around 5-5.30 p.m. Mr. Mahend and other friend of my husband came to our house and informed me that my husband has been arrested by the Police Commando for not possessing driving license and we should contact influential people for finding him and releasing him. I became very anxious and alarmed and informed my younger brother working in the IRB to start searching for my husband immediately. We contact many people in the Police to search for my husband, however, no one could locate where the Police have taken and hidden him. Much later we heard at 6 p.m. ISTV news that my husband along with his friend has been killed in an encounter with the Police Commando at Makhan Village.

The next day the Police commandos alleged in the news paper that my husband and his accomplice were cadres of KYKL and were carrying AK 47 rifle and ammunition at the time they were shot and killed and in the encounter. They were killed in the encounter when they were told to stop, instead they returned gunfire shots to the police personnel’s and in this crossfire they were killed. I was helpless and dumbstruck when I received the news of his death. I lost my consciousness on hearing that my husband is dead and would never be returning to us.

We collected his body from the morgue and performed his last rites. The government did not grant ex-gratia on his death. We did not seek for magisterial enquiry neither we cause any agitation in the form of bandh or rally on his death. Mr. Mahend who went away with my husband on the day he was killed alleged that he has no knowledge about my husband and was not in the company of my husband. We all know that my husband was killed on the instigation of his friends yet we decided not to take action against them.  The day my husband went out from the house, I never knew he will not return home. He was a simple person without any fault and wrong doings, so I thought he would return to us. I do not have any wrong suspicion on his movements and action, so he would return to us like he always does. He has no criminal records, I don’t know why he was killed so brutally by the policemen, without any fault from his side. According to eye witness, my husband and his accomplice were tortured at capital project site before they were taken to Makhan village for eliminating.

I suffered grievously for more than a year, I could not sleep and eat properly. I was traumatized and I had seizure on the left portion of my body. One day I had severe headache, my lips started quivering and I lost my consciousness, I became half paralyzed and remained in the hospital for more than two months. After discharging from the hospital, I underwent acupressure at home for two months. Now, my condition has changed considerably for good except for the left hand which have some difficulty in performing heavy quick work. Presently, I cannot feel tense and anxious, my voice would become hoarse, headache develops, difficulty in speaking & walking, and numbness develops on the left arm.  After the death of my husband, I felt like committing suicide thinking how to raise my two young children alone. My in-laws are good to me and my children, yet leading a life in the absence of my husband is very different. I do not own BPL card for getting the monthly ration. I have two children, the eldest son Avinash is 8 years old & is studying in standard II at North Eastern School. The youngest is Angelina aged about 6 years and is reading in standard one at R.K. Sanatombi. One of my children is receiving Rajiv Gandhi fellowship. I earn my living by running a grocery shop at Lamlong Bazaar. My maternal mother also has a shop just above the building of my shop, so I get security from any kind of untoward incident. I decided after few months of my husband’s death that it is no use to remain crying and sad at home. I have two children whom I have to raise and nourish them. They should not feel orphaned in the society when I am alive. I get discriminated on various accounts being a widow. I will stand for them and no one should discriminate my children as long as I am alive. 

I am a member of Guns survivor Network and recently I went to attend International meeting at New Delhi with one senior lady. We received invitation from Ms. Bina Laxmi Nepram and we attended the meeting on behalf of our network.  I get confidence and strength in joining this organization. I presented an opinion at the 6^th Occupancy day at G.M. hall and shared my opinion that the victim’s eliminated by the Commando’s suffered nothing after their death, the genuine sufferings are experienced by the survivors who are the mothers, fathers, wives (widows) & their young children. I was awarded Rs. 1000/ for my short astounding speech. I met other women survivor whose husbands and sons have been eliminated by State Forces in the gathering I attended. I share my sad story which reduces my pain and sorrow. I get confidence meeting my counterparts. I am living for my children, I feel I should be strong and confident in the society for them. I do not own BPL card separately as the house number is same with my in-laws. 

The angst occurred due to fake encounter of son leads to death of four other family members

Testimony of Smt. Thokchom (O) Ahanbi Devi

I, Smt. Thokchom (O) Ahanbi Devi, W/O (L) Sh Th. Gulabi, R/O  Dhobi Machu Leirak, Sega Road, P.O. Imphal, P.S. Lamphel ,Imphal West District- 795001, Manipur would like to account the day that took the toll of ever graving grief of my life leaving me and my family from content to a haunting one for the rest of my old age.

I lived a happy life with my two young and healthy precious sons, husband and in-laws. By profession, I am a traditional singer, I have even released albums of my song. My sons, Th. Suraj the elder and Mocha the younger one, 31 years old,till he died I have never called him by his name. I always have addressed him as Momocha. Both of them were the pupil of my eyes who after being barren of motherhood for a long time and much prayer God has bestowed them to me.  My husband was working on master roll and the elder son was teaching at Brighter Academy at Nambol. I was often left with Momocha at home. My sons would not leave me alone, they were not just brothers but also very good friends, both of them would sit in kitchen and sing songs, play tabla, guitar, they have gifted talents either it is singing or playing musical instruments and especially Momocha he was a good athlete too. Both of them had no bad habits either. He used to play Sepaktakru, he started this game in our local club and taught to many youngsters.  We even discussed with him to play this game through Nagaland since scope and finance seems more appealing there. Though we were not financially sound we lived a contented life. I would discuss family’s wear and tear or anything with him as his father was away and elder son being little weak, he was always there and used to say that he would let his mother live a happy life. His role doesn’t limit in the hearth of home but he extended to the club too and was the secretary of our local club and always took active role in club activities.

On 12^th March 2008, the Dholl Jatra day, my sons were having chicken curry of previous night, when I heard him getting a call on his mobile which I bought for him. He, halfway left eating the food and asked me to keep it covered as he would eat once he is back. I asked him if he needs money but he didn’t take as he had some two hundred Rupees which I have given him earlier and he went out on his bicycle wearing his house slippers. And he never came back to finish the food he had left but only the news of his death.

We heard that he died on an encounter at Lamdeng with Imphal West Police Commandoes, a fake encounter. Eye witnesses but anonymous to surface, informed us they saw the Police Commandos in civil dress taking my Momocha from the street next to our locality leaving his bicycle and taking him in their gypsy. The moment I heard my son died I don’t know what happen to me they say I lost control of myself and started running around, unconscious of what I was doing or clothes falling off, next I found myself bed ridden.

How would I ever believe that my innocent son who was just having food at home in front of my eyes, gets a call and he just goes out of house in casual attire would go for an encounter, that too in a bicycle and a house slipper- he is being alleged of acquiring weapons and ammunitions at the time he was killed in the encounter. The grief of losing my son and the charges on him I cannot tolerate and wanted to die, I wish this grief to be felt by the perpetrators too. If my son though I will never believe, for a moment accept that he is guilty, was it necessary that he would be killed? Couldn’t he be held to account the charges to even? My heart cries to take revenge”.

His death took toll of deaths in my family, within days of his death on his shorat or Shradha, a death ceremony done on 12^th day after death, my father in-law passed away, then my husband expired in the month of August, thereafter my mother in-law also passed away in the month of November. I along with my elder son had to face rows of death in our family in one year, leaving my full happy family impaired of the word happiness for ever. The perpetrators had not killed just my son but four lives in our family.

My elder son quit his teaching job, he is married now and stays with me. Though Momocha expired I still hold him close to my heart every day for his protection. Singing was my heart, my source of earning but I could not sing any longer after my son’s death neither I want to dress up for any occasion. He was the one who would be running around for my albums. With much courage and constant encouragement from friends and relatives, I am trying hard to sing again and find salvation here.

The so called eye witnesses are too scared to come to surface and go through the trials. The commando’s who killed my son are not traceable and not known till now. The SDPO of Police Ms. Pushpanjali came to share my grief, however, what relieve her visit would bring. We received Rs. One lakh as ex-gratia and to appoint the nearest kin for a job was promised. Till now there is no news about the promise for employment.

On the account of his death, JAC was formed, dharna was staged in our locality. I went to meet the Chief Minister Mr. Ibobi, however he was helpless. The eye witnesses refused to give their evidence of having seen my son while arrested by the Commando in civil dress.  I wish to outcry for revenge though I would not get my son back neither want any mother to go through such turmoil. I often see my son in my dreams and he seems unhappy and shows three fingers. I believed he intends three people had killed him. Until the culprits are punished, the brunt of my heart and my soul shall never be silent how much ever I try to find salvage.

We do not own BPL card and are not availing any poverty schemes fro the Central/State Government.

Horrific ordeal of a civilian as he suffered torture from both UGs and security forces

Testimony of Sh. Leimakhujam Kokullo Singh

I, Sh. Leimakhujam Kokullo Singh aged about 47 years, S/O Sh. Leimakhujam Kulachandra Singh, R/O Haorang Keirel Leikai, P.O. Patsoi, P.S. Patsoi, District Imphal West, 795003, presently residing at temporary plastic makeshift tent at Sanakeithel Market, Lamphelpat, Imphal East District, selling seasonal fruits along with my wife. I have one daughter, Miss Purnima, 15 years old reading in class VIII at Lalambung Government School.

I was a normal person living a healthy and happy life with a beautiful wife and daughter. However, life took a drastic change with the two unforgettable moments of my life. These incidents took away my normal physical posture and turn me into a physically challenged person which I have to live with it for the rest of my life.

The first incident took place in the year 1993. I went to Tamenglong for some work and on returning, I was celebrating a small party with my friends at my house. After the party we went to our gate, I saw a parked vehicle and I prompted to my friends that the vehicle might get hit by the bullock cart parking in the darkness. I was little rude in my tone as I was inebriated. Few people, suspected to be militants, were sitting in the darkness and they replied back so, we had an altercation. I threatened them and tried to set the vehicle on fire. My friends and relatives came out on hearing the altercation and stopped me from setting the vehicle on fire. We were pacified and they went away. After a lapse of 15 days on 3^rd July 1993, several armed persons, suspected to be militants belonging to the valley groups, came to our house at night and called me out at the gate. My father ran after me and begged them to spare my life. One of the people pushed my father and hit him with the rifle butt severely on his left lower back which made him paralyze for the rest of his life.  I was dragged out at the gate then one of them took out a gun and shot me on my right thigh at very close range. They disappeared after finishing their job.

I went for treatment several times with three major operations and failed to undergo the fourth and final operation where they were suppose to remove the bullet lodged inside the bone. The fourth operation failed due to financial difficulties. The operation and injury severely affected my right leg and made me a cripple. I know I am ruined as I was not able to go out for earning. I had no option, so I started earning from vegetable gardening at home with my wife and daughter. Life went on with great difficulty and my daughter was at home helping us without going to school due to financial constraints.

The second incident took place in the year 2010. On 3^rd August 2010, I was returning home with my wife and elder sister from Lilong around 3-4 p.m., (we went for medication of my sisters broken right hand), on a passenger auto rickshaw. We were stopped by the Army near Patsoi Police Station, all the male passengers were frisked and released except me, and I was told to board their vehicle gypsy without issuing arrest memo. I was blindfolded and taken to Patsoi Police station nearby. They asked several times to which group of insurgents I belong. The Manipuri speaking army dictated several names and asked me if I knew anyone of them. I disagreed I had no idea or connection with insurgents. My mobile was seized and later when I received a call from my brother, they prompted me to tell the caller I was in the market place in Imphal. I had no idea what their motive was behind.

They took me inside the adjoining room, made me lie on the floor, my hands and legs were tied and a huge log of wood was put under my neck. They started pouring buckets of water on my face and shouted how I helped the KCP (MC). I remained silent as I had no idea about their questions. The torture of pouring water went on for several hours (2-3 hours). I suffocated, swallowed plenty of water and suffered in silence. They made me sit in the dry area for few minutes and told me to reveal all the activities of KCP (MC).

I refused to give any information, so I was put in the room for the second time and they continued pouring water. One of them slapped me and plenty of water went inside and I started vomiting. I felt so terrible and dreadful, I felt I will never come out of this and live again with my family. Again, I was made to sit in the dry room and for the third time they started pouring water on my face for revealing information. However I refused to give information which I didn’t know. They continued asking where I deliver arms and ammunition for the insurgents.

Next, one of the army tied electric wire on my second toes of both the feet while I remain lying on the floor and electrocuted me. I lost my consciousness and whenever I regain my consciousness I was electrocuted again. The electrocution went on repeatedly three times and my condition became very dreadful. I felt so painful and horrible I completely lost my consciousness. They had no sympathy over my impaired limbs and tortured me so brusquely; I never knew I would come out from their confinement.

When I regained my consciousness, I was lying on the floor, hands and feet still tied and eyes blindfolded. I noticed that the cloth they had used for blindfolding me was my own white vest which was all stained with my blood from the torture. I could feel I was lying somewhere outside and my battered body was half covered with a sheet of cloth. I felt pain all over my body and with a slight move I could severely feel the extreme pain. Behind me the clock struck 4 am. I started imaging that they will finally release me as they had stopped the torture and interrogation and since they were not able to divulge any information from me. One of them brought some food and forced me to eat, I refused to eat as I was tied and suffering painfully. He forced me and said if I refused to eat, I would be killed. I was forced fed three to four mouthful of food. Out of fear and panic, I swallowed the unpleasant food with great difficulty.

On 4^th of August 2010, S.I James of Nambol Police Station came in the morning around 6-7 am along with his subordinates and hit me where I was lying. They asked what I knew about the KCP (MC). They hit me on my neck 4-5 times, folded back my hands and feet roughly like breaking a twig and left hastily. I overheard them telling the army, they had tortured in a wrong manner and therefore I was not able to reveal any information.

They again interrogated and asked which group I worked for and which arms they should use in order to kill me. They left me in this position till 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Then, I was lifted from my shoulder by two army men (as I was too frail and pathetic from their torture) and put me inside the vehicle gypsy. They took me around for a while and I developed the fear that I would definitely be killed on false account of being an insurgent. I was blindfolded, however I could feel they were driving towards Khumbong and were driving without destination. The captain of the army got down from our vehicle and through the wireless operator asked what they should do with me in Hindi. Then as if heeding the instruction we drove towards Nambol. Two army men lifted me from the shoulder and dragged me towards the PHSC of Nambol. I nearly fell when they made me walk alone; one of them kicked from behind with his heavy boots and instructed me to walk straight and properly to look fit and fine. Two young ladies doctor were present at health centre and the army instructed them to medicate me quickly and not mention or write in the subscription about the injury on my body. The two doctors refused flatly and called the Nambol police station. Few policemen turned up and gave the same instruction to the doctors not to mention on the prescription about the injury and instead they should write that the person was in good normal health.

Thereafter, we returned to Patsoi Police station and the I.O Sh. Ibochou Singh on seeing my condition told the army I was not in good health and around 7-8 p.m. took me to Regional Institute of medical Sciences at Lamphelpat for medical examination. I was medicated with few medicines and was in the custody of the police for the night.

Next day I was interrogated again and made me narrate my life story from the day I was born to my parents (without forgetting any events) till the moment I was apprehended by the army. They never stopped asking for which insurgent group I belong. I was afraid they would kill me all the while I was in their custody. I was not tortured however the apprehension of what was going to happen remained on my mind. I had to be careful and clear in answering their questions remained on my mind all the time. They even clicked my photograph with a plate mentioned that I belong to KCP (MC) group of faction.

Next day, i.e. on 6^th August 2010, I was taken to CID office and the same process of interrogation and narration of my life story continued and was conducted by the CID agents. They also repeated the same question- “for which insurgent group I belong”. I narrated the same story as was told to the police the previous day. My narration was same as was told to the police. Meanwhile the anxiety and anxious feeling of being tortured again and going through the moment of suffocation from pouring water and electrocution remains inside me throughout the time. I saw people being tortured and their screams and shouts rings inside my head all the time I was in their interrogation cell. I was relieved when they took me back to Patsoi police station. I thanked to God for saving me from their torture and harassment. The spirit that I may be released from their custody developed within me. My answers to their queries were same so I might be released again to reunite with my family, contained within me.

My injuries were still paining and my face was swollen. My wife and my elder sister visited me with home-cooked food. They were so remorse to see my battered and worn out situation, we were all speechless and helpless and we all cried together. I was not able to face them, I felt so ashamed and guilty. The army had tortured me with no concrete reason and my family members were all afraid and troubled for my dear life. I came to know from my wife, that, with the help of Human Rights organization, on the day I was captured, they had telecasted on ISTV about my arrest and disappearance and where I was taken away quietly.

I kept on recalling my family members at home during the ordeal; I could not do anything to the army and the police as well. Without any reason they have tortured to their hearts content and made me more helpless and impaired. In order to control my anger and hatred I felt like taking revenge, however, I am not young anymore, I have a wife and daughter to look after, so I need to control my anger and remain silent and somber.

On 7^th August 2010, I was taken to Kangla for interrogation. I was blindfolded on the way. The same process of interrogation and narration of my life story continued and repeated the same question- “for which insurgent group I belong”. I narrated the same story as was narrated on previous two days. My narration was same as was told to the police and CID. Then I was taken back to Police custody.

On 8^th and 9^th August 2010 I was taken to Cheirap Court for appearance before the Magistrate. I was freed on 9^th August 2010 and the Magistrate told me I don’t have to appear before the Court again as my case is not binding on any ground. I was very happy. After the release, I went home with my family members, offered prayers and went to RIMS for medical checkup at the casualty.

The post torture days were spent with great difficulty. I developed complications in breathing; my right impaired leg was paining excessively owing to electrocution and my body ached owing to repeated beating and torture. Before I was able to walk without the help of walking stick, however, after the torment, it has become my second friend. I remained bedridden for 2 months without any income. My father suffered grievously owing to my condition. He could not sleep at night and the rest of the family members were afraid throughout the night. Nights are supposed to be for taking rest, however in our case we were restless, petrified and alarmed what was going to happen. The intuitions that the army might appear again take me away and might undergo the same process of beating and torture, arise almost all the time. I don’t want to stay at home fearing the army. Seriously, I don’t want to go through the suffering and agony I had endured during the custody. I could go away for work but the anxiety of what will we answer if they happen to come and arrest me while I am away for work, made me extremely perturbed.

Even so, I gathered courage thinking for my daughter and decided to venture out for earning money. My daughter had stopped going to school due to financial constraints. I decided with my wife to sell vegetables and fruits. Now, we are selling seasonal fruits at Sanakeithel, Lamphelpat. Since it is far from our house, we are residing at the temporary make shift tent covered with plastic sheet at the market area. It is horrible when it rains but I cannot move freely owing to my heath constraints. I looked after the fruits at night and my wife goes home sometimes and she has to collect the fruits from the retailer for selling in our vendor. My daughter has started her education once more and studying in standard VIII at Lalambung Government High School.

Life has to continue with so many constraints and complications. My memory very often reflects back at the horrendous incidents. The consequences have simply put my life to so many limitations. I am not normal human being anymore. The anxiety, fear on seeing the army and police, the apprehension of being arrested again, uneasiness at night –all these fear psychosis prevail over me and family all the time. The phobia shall remain for the rest of my life.

Note: This case was filed before the National Commission on 3^rd August 2011 as per the advice from Mr. Y. Laba through on line.

Husband killed by unidentified persons

     Testimony of Smt. Chingsubam(O) Memoria Devi

I, Smt. Chingsubam (O) Memoria Devi aged about 27 years, W/O (L) Sh. Chingsubam Onil Singh, R/O Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai, P.S Lamphel, Imphal West District, 795001, would like to testify the happenings of the day my husband was taken away by unidentified gunmen from our residence on 1^st April 2007.

My son Yaiphaba, was 14 months old when my husband was killed by the unidentified youths. Now, he is six years old reading in Class UKG at Kids Corner School, Chingmeirong. I earn my living by weaving traditional silk wrap around along with my mother-in-law in our house.

My husband was an innocent person when he was alive. He was dealing in contract work and also worked as overseer along with the contractor. We belong to a peaceful and happy family with no major problem. He loves me and our son very much and we lead a beautiful life. The reason leading to his death is related to the fight which occurred on the day our locality celebrated thabal chongba. My husband was defending one of our locality girls while she was talking to some boys from other locality(Outsiders), in the darkness. He objected their behavior and advised them to talk in the illuminated area, which infuriated the boys and a fight ensued. Our locality boys joined the fight and the outsiders were beaten up and they received injuries. My husband also received injuries.They went away enraged promising revenge to my husband.

On 1^st April 2007, two- three days after the thabal chongba, two unidentified gunmen came to our house around 9:00 p.m. and called out my husband while he was watching television along with our family members. I was in the kitchen doing household chores. One of our relatives informed that my husband has been taken away and I got anxious and started trembling.  We followed them and from far we saw them walking away. Our family members immediately followed them, however, they had left by vehicle. We looked for them everywhere and could not locate them. I was helpless and not knowing what to do I start crying. Nothing came on my mind and I became totally confused.  I was very anxious over the situation.

Late in the night around 11 p.m. one local man of Thangmeiband came and informed me that my husband, Onil has been shot and lying at the Goverdhan ground at Thangmeiband. He informed us that he had multiple bullet injuries and was bleeding profusely. I fainted on hearing the news. When my relatives reached the spot, he had already been taken to RIMS Hospital. We learnt that one person had wrapped him with khudei on his chest and stomach and taken to the Hospital on foot as nobody agreed to lend their vehicle. He was alive when they reached the Hospital, however he died due to excessive bleeding. According to the post mortem report he was beaten brutally before receiving bullet injuries on the chest, stomach and right portion of the hip. He died in the midst of the night at 12 a.m. The report showed my husband died owing to excessive bleeding.

We did not collect the dead body from the morgue for three days, however, our family decided it was not worth to agitate as the person who killed my husband were neither identified nor arrested. My family collected his body on the fourth day and the last rites were performed. The police were not able to trace the accused persons and no magisterial enquiry was also conducted. We do not have strong connection to pursue our case. I doubt the unidentified persons who were involved in killing my husband were those youths who had triggered fight on the day our locality celebrated Thabal Chongba. We learnt that the night my husband was taken away from our house, in the afternoon, two youths on Kinetic Honda were lingering near the community hall for a long time. Nobody realized or doubted they were keeping an eye on my husband’s movement.

My life took a drastic turn after the death of my husband. I felt like committing suicide and my health deteriorated extremely. I could not eat properly for a long time and think clearly. I lose all the hope of living a normal life. My family members were worried about my health and for my son who is just 14 months old.  Everyone begged me to think for my young son who is in dire needs of my care and love. I realized that I have to be strong and live for the sake of my son and make him happy. My son needs my love and affection and I have to take the role of both being a father and mother. I have to live a better life instead of shadowing myself with grief and sorrow. I joined e-pham which is an organization of widows killed in the armed conflict. I met several other widows whose husbands were killed by the army, Police Commando and unidentified gunmen in the organization. Whenever we gather for meeting we share our stories, interest and other activities that will benefit for our children and for ourselves. I have developed stronger self confidence and the spirit to live a better meaningful life after meeting the other widows. I do not have good health, the stone inside my kidney bothers me often with acute pain and reduces my stamina to complete the daily activities. I have to live with it till I arrange the required money for removal of the stone. All my family members are good to me and my son, I am glad I am living with a good family who understands my situation.