IMPHAL, December 10: The state also witnessed several observations of the International Human Rights Day, 2013 at different places today.
The Committee on Human Right (COHR) also observed the day under the theme “20 years: Working for your Rights” at the Manipur Press Club today.
Speaking at the observation advocate, Khaidem Mani, president, All Manipur Bar Association blamed lack of good governance for human rights violation in the state.
The ruling government is a pseudo-government which is full of corruptions leading to gross violation of human rights, he claimed before expressing the need of proper governance in the state.
Distribution of a few PDS items among the public does not count as proper and good governance, he elaborated; and added that proper governance should mean establishment of proper industries to garner employment, proper youth policies and programmes for the welfare of the public.
The state itself has several Acts which violate the rights of the people he said citing Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act, 1958 as an example.
He said both the state and the central governments know that the Act is draconian and provides powers to the security forces, however, the Act has continued to be implemented in the state.
All Manipur Working Journalists Union, AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai said there is no proper governance in the state which could be due to the mass corruption practiced at the times of election.
Meanwhile, addressing one such observance today, state Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Md Abdul Nasir said there will be no need to observe the International Human Rights if the people were able to abide by the fundamental duties and rights lay down by the Indian Constitution.
Nasir also said politics and religion should never mix, and politics should be kept out of religious places, where people come for peace of mind.
The observation was organised by the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University, Canchipur at the centre.
Md. Abdul Nasir, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries attended the function as the chief guest; Dr M Sureshkumar Singh, co-ordinator Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, MU as the president; Prof W Nadakumar Department of Anthropology, Director, Centre for Myanmar Studies , MU; Prof E Bijoykumar Dean, School of Social Sciences MU; Prof RK Hemakumar Singh Dean of Students’ Welfare, MU; Prof N Lokendra Singh Registrar MU and Khaidem Mani advocate, president, All Manipur Bar Association as guests of honour.
Nabakumar said each and every individual has a role to play in the making of a society.
Showing concern over the increasing human rights violation in the society, he elaborated on the need to encourage awareness and education on human rights and duties of the people.
He further continued that people should call the crusaders of human rights violation as human rights warriors.
Instead of just defending out rights, people need to snatch it with people working with a united force against human rights violation, he opined.
Extensive awareness campaings need to be effectively spread, he said.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed at Thangapat Mapal organized by Human Rights Initiative with Ng Nongyai Singh former member Manipur Human Rights Commission was the chief guest; BB Sharma, former editor All India Radio as the guest of honour and Y Ratan Singh acting chairman HRI as the president of the function.