The National Human Rights Commission, India has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Manipur calling for a detailed report over the latest killing of 13 persons in Tengnoupal District within two weeks. The report should include the status of the FIR registered by the police and steps taken by the State government to ensure that such incidents of violence do not take place anywhere in the State.
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Press statement from the NHRC issued on Friday said, the rights panel has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least 13 people were killed in a gun fight in Leithao village near Saibol in the Tengnoupal district, Manipur. Reportedly, the incident happened on 4th December, 2023. The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a serious issue of human rights violations, which is a matter of concern. The incident, as reported, indicates towards lapse on the part of the law enforcing agencies and the forces deployed to ensure peace and law and order in the state.
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The Commission has further observed that the reported loss of 13 human lives, that too in an area, which remained calm since the tension erupted in the State of Manipur in May this year, is indeed alarming and disturbing. The State of Manipur and its people have already suffered a lot. It is firmly reiterated that it is the duty of the State to protect the life and properties of its citizens both private and public and to promote fraternity and spirit of brotherliness amongst the communities, the statement said.
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The NHRC since May, 2023 has received several complaints from the individuals/ NGOs and human rights activists alleging violation of human rights during the incidents of violence in Manipur. These matters are being considered by the Full Bench of the Commission and were also discussed at length, during its Camp Sitting at Guwahati, Assam on 17 November, 2023. The senior officers from the government of Manipur, as well as the representatives of the complainants and civil society were also present, it added.
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It it worth mentioning that the the valley based insurgent group, Revolutionary People’s Front issued a press statement on December 7 accusing the Indian security forces and Kuki-Zo mercenaries for the killing. The proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is the red army of RPF.
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The deceased persons mostly in their early adulthood are identified as:
Thingom Rocky from Torbung Bazar
Ningthoujam Tomba from Kumbi Salam Konjil
Meisnam Sanajaoba from Kakmayai Leikai under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station
Moirangthem Kingson from Khurai Puthiba Leikai
Mayengban Roshan from Wangbal Lamboithong
Sougaijam Krishnakanta from Kakching Turel Wangma Ningthou Pareng
Oinam Loken and Konjengbam Medhabanta, both from Sagolband Nepra Menjor
Phanjoubam Noren and Chingakham Nekthei, both from Andro Torongthel
Chongtham Chingu alias Ibungo from Sabungkhok Khunou Awang Leikai
Th. Malemnganba from Irengbam and
Laishram Arun from Sekmaijin.
Among the 13 deceased, Th. Malemnganba from Irengbam is only 15 years old.
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