PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release, 9 June 2015
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY LEADERS MET UNION HOME MINISTER SHRI KIREN RIJIJU TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF CIVILIANS IN CHANDEL DISTRICT FOLLOWING THE AMBUSH AND KILLING OF 18 SECURITY FORCES IN MANIPUR
New Delhi,9th June, 2015 ~Collective delegation from the Northeast Region of India met Mr. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State on 8th June 2015 in North Block to appeal for his immediate intervention to the recent situation in Chandel District of Manipur. The delegation strongly condemn the ambush which left 18 security forces dead and scores of others injured that belong to the Dogra Regiment and have also expressed deepest condolences to the departed Indian Armies and shares the pain and sorrow of the bereaved families.
When the delegation apprised the Minister of Home for State, Mr.Kiren Rijiju on the present crisis in Chandel district, he has given his assurance that he will act on it and convey these concerns to concerned Ministers and authorities. The Minister also added that the concerned state government must cooperate in this process and must also inform the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Defence Ministry that are being taken care of from the side of the state administration.
Keeping in view the past history of massive human rights violations during army operation, the collective leaders led by Mr David Boyes, Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Ms Alana Golmei and Mr Zuchamo Yanthan have submitted a memorandum demanding the following points for the safety of the innocent people in Chandel district:
(1). The presence of civil police, and women’s representation in all military combing operations.
(2). Deployment of state police including women police officers and setting up of booths in those areas to coordinate with the army while they carry out the operation.
(3). Constitution of an immediate fact finding mission with immediate effect comprising the political parties, civil workers both men and women.
(4). That the present crisis must not lead to further suffering of the civilian in the areas.
(5). Ensure for peaceful combing operation without violating human rights bearing in mind the bitter memories and experiences of Oinam village in Manipur on 11th July, 1987. (After the killing of nine soldiers by NSCN, a counter insurgency Operation Bluebird was launched in Oinam village on 11th July, 1987. During the operation, there were unimaginable massive human rights violations of rape, torture, illegal arrests and detention, burning and dismantling of homes, dismantling of schools and churches, looting of property and forced labour took placed)
(6). Ensure the involvement of women in any peace process in Northeast India. There are presently 17 ongoing peace talks in the North East. However, not a single woman is included in the process.
The meeting with Minister lasted for 45 minutes and he has assured his best possible support to safeguard the people of Chandel district, Manipur and for people of Northeast region
ENDS
CC to:
- Chief Minister, Manipur
- Director General Police, Manipur
- North East MP Forum
- Chief Secretary, Manipur
