IT News
Imphal, July 5:
The Manipur Human Rights Commission has received a complaint on the alleged police inaction in Jiribam District, urging that compensation be paid to the victims by the DGP and Security Advisor from their own pockets. The complaint, numbered 33/IN/2024, was filed on July 5, 2024, by two social activists from Assam: Saikhom Kamala Kanta Singha, a 69-year-old retired principal and activist, and Fanjowbam Lokenath Singha, a 29-year-old advocate and human rights forum member.
The complaint centers on the gruesome murder of Soibam Sharatkumar, a resident of Jiribam, whose beheaded body was found on June 6, 2024, following his abduction. This incident, stemming from ethnic conflict, has resulted in the displacement and destruction of several Meitei villages in Jiribam District, including Lamtai Khunou, Loukoibung, Harinagar, Naryanpur, Bhutangkhal, and Leisabithol.
On June 6, 2024, Sharatkumar went missing from his farm. His family reported seeing suspicious individuals and a vehicle nearby. Later, his beheaded body was discovered in a secluded area. Subsequently, armed militants, suspected to be Kuki, attacked Meitei villages, burning houses and forcing residents into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The complaint accuses the Director General of Police, Manipur, and the Advisor (Security) to the Government of Manipur of gross negligence. Despite prior warnings of potential violence, adequate security measures were not implemented, leading to severe human rights violations.
Despite the imposition of a curfew, security measures proved inadequate, allowing the violence and property destruction to continue. Approximately eight IDP camps have been established in Jiribam, housing hundreds of displaced Meitei residents. These camps include Multipurpose Sports Complex, Chingdong Leikai Primary School, and Sorokatingbi High School.
The complainants have requested the commission to order compensation for all IDPs, with the amount being just, fair, and reasonable, considering the extensive losses and suffering endured, particularly by women and children. They argue that this compensation should not come from the state exchequer but from DGP Rajiv Singh and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, citing their failure to protect the residents of Jiribam despite prior warnings.
Additionally, the complainants have requested the commission that the Chief Secretary to the Government of Manipur, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur, and Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam secure the land and belongings of the IDPs and ensure non-recurrence by deploying adequate permanent state security forces in vulnerable areas. They also seek monetary relief of Rs. 10,000,00/- (Ten Lakhs) per household for the Meitei villagers to rebuild their homes.
Lastly, they have requested the commission that the Superintendent of Police, Jiribam, should direct the officers in charge of Jiribam and Borobekra police stations to record the statements of all IDPs and provide a status report on the ongoing investigations into these incidents.
