IMPHAL, January 12: Following the recent order of the Supreme Court of India regarding its writ petition, the Extrajudicial Execution Victims’ Families Association, Manipur, EEVFAM along with Human Rights Defender NGO called a press conference today.
Addressing the press conference at the Manipur Press Club today, Neena Ningombam Secretary of EEVFAM (Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur ) has lauded the Supreme Court for hearing their prayer against extrajudicial and arbitrary killings in Manipur.
It may be mentioned that the Supreme Court was responding to a public interest litigation filed by EEVFAM and a local human rights organisation seeking the SC’s intervention in the case of 1528 alleged extrajudicial executions during 1979-2012. The panel appointed by the Court consisting of retired Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde, former Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh and former Karnataka police Chief Ajay Kumar Singh has been instructed to submit its report by 4 March.
According to Neena, ” EEVFAM alone could not have reached this stage but for the support from the Human Rights defender organizations and the support of the families of victims.” She said that on 1st Oct 2012, the SC accepted the petition of EEVAF and following the final ruling, 6 cases of extra judicial killing will be taken up. The seven victims named in the six cases of the alleged extrajudicial execution are Azad Khan of Mayang Imphal Phougakchao Makha Leikai, Elangbam Kiranjit of Thoubal Haokha Mamang Leikai, Nameirakpam Nobo from Bashikhong, Nameirakpam Govind, also from Bashikhong, Akoijam Priyobarta of Mongshangei, Chongtham Umakanta of Iroishemba and Khumbongmayum Oceanjit from Keishampat Jailer Leirak.
Renu Takhellambam, President EEVFAM said that it is appreciable that the SC of India heard the prayer and took the step to accept the petition of extrajudicial killings in Manipur. She further cautioned the family members of victims of security excesses not to fall into the trap of bribes and to beware of threats that might turn up in the process.
The press meet was also attended by the family members of the first 7 victims whose cases will be brought up to the SC of India. Family shared their grievances with the media fraternity and one family member shared an attempt to threathen and bribe from a state Government agent. He said that he was telephoned and told to withdraw the case in exchange for a handsome amount and that the family failed to agree then they would face trouble in future.
The Amnesty International while welcoming the January 4 order of the Supreme Court to set up the independent panel to investigate the six allege extrajudicial killings in Manipur has also said in a press release that the Manipur authorities should cooperate with the Supreme Court appointed panel.