IMPHAL, May 13:The Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) along with the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union has been awarded the 1st Mukul Sinha Human Rights Award in a solemn function entitled `Convention for Reclaiming Democracy` at the Town Hall Ahmadabad on May 12.
The function was organised by Jan Sangharsh Manch and the Gujarat Federation of Trade Union to mark the first death anniversary of Mukul Sinha, Human Rights lawyer and IIT-Kanpur alumnus.
The award which carries a cash prize of Rs 50000, memento along with citation was handed over to Ningthoujam Edina Devi, secretary of EEVFAM.
The EEVFAM members felicitated Ningthoujam Edina Devi, secretary of EEVFAM and Babloo Loitongbam, director of Human Rights Alert, Manipur upon their arrival in the state today at the office of Human Rights Alert, Kwakeithel.
Speaking to media persons, Ningthoujam Edina Devi expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Jan Sangharsh Mancha and Gujarat Federation of Trade Union for honoring EEVFAM with the first Mukul Sinha Human Rights Award along with Maruti Workers Union.
She stated that though Mukul Sinha association with Manipur was short he left the most significant imprint in the struggle for justice for the victims of extrajudicial execution in Manipur.
Mukul Sinha even represented EEVFAM before the Supreme Court appointed Commission following the petition filed by the association at the apex court on 1528 extrajudicial execution, she added.
She continued that the way Mukul Sinha conducted the case not only helped the commission to dig up the long suppressed behind the fake encounters but also enthralled the whole legal fraternity.
Indeed Mukul Sinha was a god-send-messiah for the families of the victims of extrajudicial execution. His contribution in bringing the endemic phenomena of fake encounters in Manipur to a granting halt can never be overstated, she said.
It is an irony that EEVFAM which has immensely benefitted from his pro bono services when he was alive has been awarded the prize instituted in his name after his sad demise. The association accepted the prize with great pride, not so much as an honour, but more as an opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity to Mukul, she exclaimed.
She maintained that EEVFAM shares the same birthday with the great man and expressed that his spirit to selflessly fight for the rights and dignity of the oppressed and downtrodden will eternally guide the organization till the end.
Ningthoujam Edina Devi on behalf of thousands of widows of Manipur expressed appreciation to Nirjhari Sinha and all the friends and comrades of Mukul for honouring the priceless award.