Northeast Desk, 17th October: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a reminder notice to the state of Manipur, requesting responses on eight pending cases registered with the Commission. These cases are associated with various incidents of violence and human rights violations in the state.
In response to the Commission’s notices, the Government of Manipur has provided Action Taken Reports (ATRs) outlining measures taken to address the incidents of violence. These actions include reinforcing law and order machinery, enhancing security, establishing relief camps and peace committees, easing curfew restrictions, restoring internet and banking services gradually, announcing ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased, offering compensation packages for the injured, and initiating the rebuilding of damaged houses.
The Central government has also set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the underlying causes of the conflicts, and six First Information Reports (FIRs) have been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for independent investigations. Furthermore, a substantial number of relief camps have been established in the affected areas to provide support and assistance to those affected by the violence.
The Commission had previously registered 18 cases concerning human rights violations linked to incidents of violence in Manipur over the last several months. Following initial notices requesting reports on all these cases, the NHRC determined that the nature of these matters was similar. Consequently, a common questionnaire was prepared to seek responses from the relevant authorities, as per proceedings dated August 30, 2023, and September 12, 2023.
While responses have been received in most of these cases, eight cases remain pending. The NHRC has issued reminder notices to prompt the submission of reports for these outstanding cases, seeking to ensure that human rights concerns are addressed and resolved appropriately.