Friday, August 29, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
98 fake encounter cases involve children as victims
IMPHAL, March 2: There are 1524 reported cases of fake encounters in Manipur pending in the Supreme Court, among which, 98 cases involved children below the age of 18, said president of the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights, K Pradeep Singh today addressing a one day consultation on “United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1985.”
He further identified some of the child victims as Khoisnam Singhajit, 10 from Singjamei Makha Liwa Road; Kishankumar Sharma, 10, from Mandok Leikai Churachanpur; Master Raichuilung, 6 from Nugleiban village; Sadokpam Lakhikanta Singh, 13 from Mongsangei Arubam Leikai, etc.
The convention was held at the Kachikhul Community Hall, Imphal West organized by the Village Women Co-ordinating Committee (VWCOC), North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), United NGO Mission Manipur (UNM-M), Kachikhul Women Development Association (KWDA), other women societies and youth clubs.
In 2004 at Kangla, during his visit to the state capital, the country’s Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had promised the people of the state that AFSPA will be replaced by a more favourable Act, Pradeep said.
“However, he is yet to fulfil his promise.”
President of Women Action for Development, Sobita Mangsatabam said in the Governor’s speech during the opening day of the ongoing 7th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Manipur Governor VK Duggal had observed that there are 60 insurgency groups in the state.
Citing that the number of insurgent groups in the state had increased only after the imposition of the act, she said AFSPA was imposed in Nagaland to control the NSCN, and a few years later it was imposed in the state.
At the time of the Act’s imposition in the state, there were only a few insurgency groups in the state, however, the numbers had increased only thereafter, she said questioning the need for the imposition of the Act in the state.
During the convention several testimonies on the impact of the dreaded AFSPA were also placed.
Kh Dilip Kumar a participant expressed that his brother Ajit Kumar was slain during a fake encounter by a team of Assam Rifles on February 14, 2004.
He further identified some of the child victims as Khoisnam Singhajit, 10 from Singjamei Makha Liwa Road; Kishankumar Sharma, 10, from Mandok Leikai Churachanpur; Master Raichuilung, 6 from Nugleiban village; Sadokpam Lakhikanta Singh, 13 from Mongsangei Arubam Leikai, etc.
The convention was held at the Kachikhul Community Hall, Imphal West organized by the Village Women Co-ordinating Committee (VWCOC), North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), United NGO Mission Manipur (UNM-M), Kachikhul Women Development Association (KWDA), other women societies and youth clubs.
In 2004 at Kangla, during his visit to the state capital, the country’s Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had promised the people of the state that AFSPA will be replaced by a more favourable Act, Pradeep said.
“However, he is yet to fulfil his promise.”
President of Women Action for Development, Sobita Mangsatabam said in the Governor’s speech during the opening day of the ongoing 7th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Manipur Governor VK Duggal had observed that there are 60 insurgency groups in the state.
Citing that the number of insurgent groups in the state had increased only after the imposition of the act, she said AFSPA was imposed in Nagaland to control the NSCN, and a few years later it was imposed in the state.
At the time of the Act’s imposition in the state, there were only a few insurgency groups in the state, however, the numbers had increased only thereafter, she said questioning the need for the imposition of the Act in the state.
During the convention several testimonies on the impact of the dreaded AFSPA were also placed.
Kh Dilip Kumar a participant expressed that his brother Ajit Kumar was slain during a fake encounter by a team of Assam Rifles on February 14, 2004.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Police highlight 2013 achievements
Police highlight 2013 achievements
Police highlight 2013 achievements
IMPHAL, December 31: While greeting the people of the state on the occasion of the New Year, the Manipur Police has also stated its achievements in the passing year.
According to a press statement of the PRO, Police department, Manipur, during the year 2013, Manipur Police in close coordination with other security forces deployed in the State, maintained law and order, besides prevention and detection of crime.
A total of 629 insurgents were arrested, while three were killed in encounters, it said.
The department also dispose of as many as 2304 (two thousand three hundred and four) cases from investigation including 259 (two hundred and fifty nine) cases by filing charge sheet in the jurisdictional courts, said the PRO police statement.
Other achievements of the department include 155 insurgents surrendering; 83 arms, 1334 ammunitions and 150 hand grenades seized, the statement said.
During 2013, one RDX; 10 IEDs; 4.5 kg of plastic explosives; 10 TNT of 5.25 kgs; 400 gms of explosive powder were also recovered/seized.
A total of Rs 14,28,585 was also recovered by the department during the year, said the statement.
Further according to the statement, utilisation of manpower was optimised by way of rationalisation of deployment to cover security of VIPs, important government offices, vital installations, public places to ensure their safety and security.
“Due to coordinated effort of police and SFs, as many as five valley based extremist groups and one hill based UG group signed MoU with government of India and government of Manipur during 2013.”
The MoUs involved “Home Coming” of nearly 400 insurgents along with surrender of huge number of arms and ammunition, it said.
“The subversive activities of both hill and valley based UG groups were under check. However, sporadic incidents involving misguided youth indulging in violence resulted in loss of life and damage to property”, it claimed.
Manipur Police on its own and in joint operations with security forces achieved spectacular success in containing the movement and activities of insurgents, said the PRO Police department said.
Further elaborating on the action taken up by the department, it said, “An action plan has been put in place to secure the Imphal Municipal areas from the activities of anti-social elements and subversive activities of insurgents.”
A round the clock security covers of all vulnerable areas of lmphal Municipality resulted in enhanced sense of security amongst the people, it said.
“Manipur Police achieved success in checking the menace of drugs by way of pro-active enforcement work.”
The concerted efforts resulted in seizure of large quantities of contraband drugs including 1.3 kgs of Heroin; 2300.605 kgs of Ganja; 49.65 kgs of Opium; 72 gms of Brown Sugar; 9134 strips and 305798 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon; 4849 tablets of N-l 0 tablets; 2063 bottles of 100ml and 4.5 litres of cough syrups; 105 kgs, 178810 strips and 3728406 tablets of pseudoephedrine; 1142 tablets of Amphetamine tablets, said the statement.
“During the year, emphasis was laid on early detection and prosecution of offenders who indulged in commission of conventional crimes”, it further said.
The focused approach resulted in disposal of as many as 2304 (two thousand three hundred and four) cases from investigation including 259 (two hundred and fifty nine) cases by filing charge sheet in the jurisdictional courts, said the PRO police statement.
During the coming year, Manipur Police plans to modernise its functioning by enhancing mobility of the force, upgrading their striking capability with induction of sophisticated weapons, increasing the office space and housing satisfaction level of lower subordinates, procuring security gadgets to professionalise its working, it said.
Efforts are also on to upgrade the knowledge and skills of all field operatives including commandos by putting them through Refresher Training Courses, it said.
Manipur Police appeals to the members of public for their continued support and cooperation to enable it to fulfil its mandate in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the society, besides timely detection and prosecution of offenders, it said.
According to a press statement of the PRO, Police department, Manipur, during the year 2013, Manipur Police in close coordination with other security forces deployed in the State, maintained law and order, besides prevention and detection of crime.
A total of 629 insurgents were arrested, while three were killed in encounters, it said.
The department also dispose of as many as 2304 (two thousand three hundred and four) cases from investigation including 259 (two hundred and fifty nine) cases by filing charge sheet in the jurisdictional courts, said the PRO police statement.
Other achievements of the department include 155 insurgents surrendering; 83 arms, 1334 ammunitions and 150 hand grenades seized, the statement said.
During 2013, one RDX; 10 IEDs; 4.5 kg of plastic explosives; 10 TNT of 5.25 kgs; 400 gms of explosive powder were also recovered/seized.
A total of Rs 14,28,585 was also recovered by the department during the year, said the statement.
Further according to the statement, utilisation of manpower was optimised by way of rationalisation of deployment to cover security of VIPs, important government offices, vital installations, public places to ensure their safety and security.
“Due to coordinated effort of police and SFs, as many as five valley based extremist groups and one hill based UG group signed MoU with government of India and government of Manipur during 2013.”
The MoUs involved “Home Coming” of nearly 400 insurgents along with surrender of huge number of arms and ammunition, it said.
“The subversive activities of both hill and valley based UG groups were under check. However, sporadic incidents involving misguided youth indulging in violence resulted in loss of life and damage to property”, it claimed.
Manipur Police on its own and in joint operations with security forces achieved spectacular success in containing the movement and activities of insurgents, said the PRO Police department said.
Further elaborating on the action taken up by the department, it said, “An action plan has been put in place to secure the Imphal Municipal areas from the activities of anti-social elements and subversive activities of insurgents.”
A round the clock security covers of all vulnerable areas of lmphal Municipality resulted in enhanced sense of security amongst the people, it said.
“Manipur Police achieved success in checking the menace of drugs by way of pro-active enforcement work.”
The concerted efforts resulted in seizure of large quantities of contraband drugs including 1.3 kgs of Heroin; 2300.605 kgs of Ganja; 49.65 kgs of Opium; 72 gms of Brown Sugar; 9134 strips and 305798 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon; 4849 tablets of N-l 0 tablets; 2063 bottles of 100ml and 4.5 litres of cough syrups; 105 kgs, 178810 strips and 3728406 tablets of pseudoephedrine; 1142 tablets of Amphetamine tablets, said the statement.
“During the year, emphasis was laid on early detection and prosecution of offenders who indulged in commission of conventional crimes”, it further said.
The focused approach resulted in disposal of as many as 2304 (two thousand three hundred and four) cases from investigation including 259 (two hundred and fifty nine) cases by filing charge sheet in the jurisdictional courts, said the PRO police statement.
During the coming year, Manipur Police plans to modernise its functioning by enhancing mobility of the force, upgrading their striking capability with induction of sophisticated weapons, increasing the office space and housing satisfaction level of lower subordinates, procuring security gadgets to professionalise its working, it said.
Efforts are also on to upgrade the knowledge and skills of all field operatives including commandos by putting them through Refresher Training Courses, it said.
Manipur Police appeals to the members of public for their continued support and cooperation to enable it to fulfil its mandate in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the society, besides timely detection and prosecution of offenders, it said.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
NHRC NOTICE to Manipur Government on allegations of severe irregularities in supply of Mid- day Meal
|
|
Complain register number –
32/14/0/2013
NHRC notice to Manipur Government on
allegations of severe irregularities in supply of mid-day meal.
New
Delhi, 30th May, 2013
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a
notice to the Chief Secretary, Manipur calling for a report on a complaint
alleging severe irregularities in supply of mid-day meal in Government run
schools. He has been given four weeks to respond.
The Commission has given
these directions after taking cognizance of a complaint filed by an NGO 'Wide
Angle Social Development Organization' based in Manipur. It has requested a
high level inquiry in the matter.
Allegedly, the quantity of rice allocated
for children under the scheme weighs less than the required quantity. Later,
it is sold in the black market with the connivance of school authorities and
the other agencies. The Complainant has also attached news clippings wherein
the issue of corruption in implementation of mid-day meal scheme has been
reported.
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Monday, September 9, 2013
Jaipur Home case Teams visit Ukhrul
IMPHAL, Sep 8 : A team comprising of Tangkhul Shanao Long Delhi (TSLD), FXB India Suraksha, Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Indigenous Women Forum, North East India (IWFNEI) visited Ukhrul as a follow up of the 23 children rescued from Jaipur from two ‘illegal homes’ run by Pastor Jacob John and also from his house.
The team met the children, families, the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, civil society organizations, CWC and authorities concerned.
Of the 53 children, 23 were from Manipur and they were handed over to the State Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on April 19. The children are currently under the care of the Ukhrul CWC and SSA and undergoing residential bridge course.
According to these organisations, they have found out that detail inquiry report of the child under JJ Rule 28(3); 33(3) (g) (ii) and (4)(f); 87 (1)(a) and (2) is yet to be finalized by the CWC Ukhrul. The report is an assessment of the family situation of the children in detail and to explain in writing whether it will be in the best interest of the child to restore them to their families, they added.
The organisations also found out that no plan is in place on how to make medical aid reach the kids once they are repatriated to their parents. The visiting team has also found out that the state authorities has not given any standard guidelines to deal with rescued children nor specified any budget towards this.
The Government despite their assurance has not considered the special circumstances and denied eligibility to pursue higher education for the senior children. The then Deputy Commissioner had written to the concern authority but the matter remains unaddressed till date. The team is disappointed at the irresponsibility and lack of commitment on the part of the Chief Minister and the Social Welfare Department in extending support that is due to the children, which was aggressively highlighted in the media in the initial period. Meanwhile, Tangkhul Shanao Long Delhi (TSLD), FXB India Suraksha, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Indigenous Women Forum, North East India (IWFNEI) have recommended that a thorough home investigation of each child be done at the earliest and based on the findings individual care plan for each before restoring them to their respective families. They also recommended that the rehabilitation plan must include all children who were in the same home but returned before the rescue owing to health problems. The list of the children has been submitted to the DC on 9th May by the Ukhrul District Alliance for Child Rights (UDACR) and on 6th June to Nina Nayak,NCPCR. These organisations demanded that s medical team be constituted and all the children be examined and given medical attention on time to time basis. The team further demanded that the State of Manipur need to immediately develop standard guidelines to deal with similar situation of rehabilitating the rescued children from different part of the state in consultation with different stakeholders. The state protection of child rights, Manipur should be pro actively engaged in safeguarding the rights of the children in compliance with ICPS, ICDS and RTE, they further demanded.
“As per the request made from ACP, Jaipur, Rajasthan and direction given by Session court Imphal to CJM Ukhrul to record the statement of the children under CRPC 164, there has been no progress in the matter. We demand for immediate action to be taken,” the team said.
The team then said the state should have a rigorous plan on prevention of child trafficking in close collaboration and consultation with stakeholders across the board and the state failed to comply with the honourable Supreme Court’s guidelines where children below the age of 12 should not go out for education. The state so far have no operational guidelines to check the incidence of children getting trafficked on the pretext of education, the team stated.
Calling attention to child trafficking
t is disheartening that there are not much serious steps being seen when it comes to addressing the growing number of child trafficking related cases in the state. The reports of such cases have been highlighted mainly due to the ground work of various non government organizations. Unfortunately, it is the Governmental agencies that are failing in its approach and commitment to the issue. Many of the reports emerging on child trafficking cases are only a fraction of the exact extent of the trafficking that originates from the state and are based on rescue efforts undertaken by various civil society groups and NGOs. In 2008 when the first cases of trafficking came to light, it was the NGOs that stepped in to repatriate young girls who had been trafficked out of the country. And even as there is an anti trafficking cell in the Social Welfare Department that is meant to take an initiative in trafficking related cases, there is still a lot to be desired, in terms of efforts and instituting mechanisms to intervene, rescue and repatriate, rehabilitate victims of trafficking for it is clear that Manipur is a soft target for children and youths to be taken away for various purposes. Children are the most vulnerable targets for trafficking as they can be easily lured away and then passed off for various purposes ranging from sex work to being used as beggars or as work force in what are known as sweat shops where they are made to put up with inhuman work conditions and shortchanged when it comes to their payment. Girls and young women who are trafficked are also increasingly found to be used as womb carriers to act as surrogate mothers in sex skewed parts of Northern India where female infanticide and foeticide has led to a near total absence of women in the general population.
The North Eastern region, but mostly Manipur, Assam and to some extent, Nagaland are prone to cases of trafficking. In Nagaland and Manipur, it is the fringe areas where the remoteness and the lack of equitable development yet again, but also the trust placed in community leaders lead to parents blindly believing the promises for a better life. The ethnic violence in the state in the 90’s, followed by the forced migration and displacement of people due to ‘development programs’ such as the construction of Mega dams and such to places alien to them created new situations and contexts where support systems for food, education, health and security were compromised but it was women and children who were most vulnerable and in need of special care and attention. The fall out of these circumstances in the state can be one major factor that has led to women and young girls taking up sex work, getting into drug use and abuse or involved as couriers, getting inducted into crimes or falling prey to trafficking. Even as there is still no strong police action being taken yet, non state forces are also encouraging trafficking of children through their acts of child soldier recruitment. In the first half of 2008, at least 20 children in the age group of 10 to 16 went missing from various parts of Manipur with the number of other reported cases increasing to near about 60. In the beginning, it was believed that the disappearances or abductions of the children could be related to trafficking but it emerged that most of the children were in the custody of armed groups. Yet again, the link to child trafficking emerged after it was found that the point persons who had taken the children away or made contact with the children were being paid money per child that they brought in to the fold.
And even as the ‘trafficking’ buzz gets generated when groups of children or young people are moved from the state to other states, not many are willing to take a serious look at the insidious nature of exploitation that is taking place: the practice of ‘employing’ minor children as house helps. Most people are all too willing to turn a blind eye and pass off the employ of minor children as a ‘parent approved’ exercise. The lack of Government and police action is all too visible in the number of children that one sees employed in hotels, workshops and as helpers on buses and trucks. The other reality of course, is that the more well to do families employ young children as helpers and pass it off as a means of helping poor families but the buck stops with the government agencies and its machinaries for it is responsible for the welfare and safety of children.
The North Eastern region, but mostly Manipur, Assam and to some extent, Nagaland are prone to cases of trafficking. In Nagaland and Manipur, it is the fringe areas where the remoteness and the lack of equitable development yet again, but also the trust placed in community leaders lead to parents blindly believing the promises for a better life. The ethnic violence in the state in the 90’s, followed by the forced migration and displacement of people due to ‘development programs’ such as the construction of Mega dams and such to places alien to them created new situations and contexts where support systems for food, education, health and security were compromised but it was women and children who were most vulnerable and in need of special care and attention. The fall out of these circumstances in the state can be one major factor that has led to women and young girls taking up sex work, getting into drug use and abuse or involved as couriers, getting inducted into crimes or falling prey to trafficking. Even as there is still no strong police action being taken yet, non state forces are also encouraging trafficking of children through their acts of child soldier recruitment. In the first half of 2008, at least 20 children in the age group of 10 to 16 went missing from various parts of Manipur with the number of other reported cases increasing to near about 60. In the beginning, it was believed that the disappearances or abductions of the children could be related to trafficking but it emerged that most of the children were in the custody of armed groups. Yet again, the link to child trafficking emerged after it was found that the point persons who had taken the children away or made contact with the children were being paid money per child that they brought in to the fold.
And even as the ‘trafficking’ buzz gets generated when groups of children or young people are moved from the state to other states, not many are willing to take a serious look at the insidious nature of exploitation that is taking place: the practice of ‘employing’ minor children as house helps. Most people are all too willing to turn a blind eye and pass off the employ of minor children as a ‘parent approved’ exercise. The lack of Government and police action is all too visible in the number of children that one sees employed in hotels, workshops and as helpers on buses and trucks. The other reality of course, is that the more well to do families employ young children as helpers and pass it off as a means of helping poor families but the buck stops with the government agencies and its machinaries for it is responsible for the welfare and safety of children.
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