Imphal, July 16: North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) said it welcomes the order of Supreme Court directing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct inquiry into the cases of extra judicial killings in Manipur by the Army, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police. In a statement the NEFIS said that the present ruling also pointed out the compromised nature of the investigation which would result if one depended on the State Police to probe such cases. It should be known that Manipur Police has not registered any FIRs at the behest of the kin of those killed in encounters. This decision is a step ahead in repealment of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which gives soldiers sweeping powers to arrest or interrogate people in “disturbed areas” or states dealing with separatists or insurgents. This law has been used by the army to use draconian measures against Indian people. By denying the right to rule of law, the Indian state has kept North-East people relegated to the status of second class citizenry in the country that claims itself to be the world’s largest democracy, the statement said. “While NEFIS welcomes this move as a vindication of democratic movement against AFSPA, one has to see what more can be achieved on the ground. It awaits the repeal of AFSPA, only which could restore civil liberties in the North-East” the NEFIS statement said.
NEFIS welcomes Supreme Court order directing CBI to conduct investigation into cases of extra-judicial killings!
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