CORE draws serious concern over 3rd degree treatment to Gaidon Kamei at sacred Kangla

Imphal, Jan 13: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) of Manipur expressed serious concerned to the severe torture and cruel and inhumane degrading treatment alleged by United Naga Council (UNC) president, Mr. Gaidon Kamei, 52 years old, a resident of Namdulong, Imphal, perpetrated during his detention under police custody.
A statement issued by Dr Debabrata Roy Laifungbam, President, Elders’ Council, CORE said that Gaidon Kamei has been detained by the Manipur police since his arrest on November 25, 2016 under orders of the court. His allegations that he has been subjected to “third degree” torture that included electric shock treatment, deprivation of proper meals and snacks inside the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) located within the sacred Kanga Fort, a most significant heritage site of Manipur is shocking as India is a signatory to the UN Convention against Torture since 1997, the statement added.
It added that Gaidon’s health, personal security and life is at great risk during his police custody according to the widely reported news of his torture by the Manipur police that has been discussed even on the state broadcasting service, All India Radio yesterday.
CORE demanded that the State Government to ensure that all detainees and prisoners are treated with the dignity and respect accorded to all human beings equally under the law.
It also demanded that Gaidon Kamei be given immediate access to competent and impartial professional medical attention.
CORE also demanded that the Home Ministry of the government of Manipur immediately withdraw the so-called Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) located within the sacred Kangla Fort complex in the middle of Imphal City, the capital of Manipur.
Core also questioned the rationale behind utilization of archeological and cultural heritage site under the jurisdiction of the Department of Art and Culture as a torture center.