Senapati: The chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, Justice Utpalender Bikas Saha, asserted that corruption has no place in society during a gathering at the DC Conference Hall, Senapati, on his maiden visit to the district.
Speaking at the gathering, Justice UB Saha said he joined the MHRC on February 20, 2023, and found the office in a defunct state. He emphasized the rights of citizens to health, water, shelter, and other necessities. Under MHRC’s intervention, several long-pending criminal cases were processed, resulting in arrests and charges within weeks, addressing the denial of justice due to delayed investigations, he stated.
Justice UB Saha said, “So many instances of other crimes were also found in the state where the case could not be processed and the accused died after long years terming as denial of justice to the victims adding delay of investigation is denial of justice and denial of justice is violations of human rights.”
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He also stressed that the right to life includes the right to a decent livelihood. He highlighted the potential for development through tourism in Senapati, hampered by militancy and terrorism. He urged the community to abandon such activities for peace and progress.
“Militants, insurgency and terrorism are the main problems that the region cannot develop. Many precious lives have been lost due to these issues, and I urge everyone to shun such activities,” Justice UB Saha said.
The MHRC chairperson urged everyone to know their rights and raise their voices for humanity, peace, and harmony. He emphasized that without peace and unity, Manipur cannot develop. While conflicts may arise, the focus should be on maintaining peace in the state. With peace and tranquility, development will naturally follow. Comparing Manipur to a blooming flower garden, he called for peaceful coexistence among the 38 tribes. He also sought the cooperation of all to protect human rights, especially the vulnerable and poor.
Further, he said that due to ethnic violence, the poor suffer the most. “They have left their homes, children are deprived of education, and many are staying in relief camps,” UB Shah said as he emphasized the need to protect them.
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Question and answer session followed in the later part of the session.
In his concluding remarks, the MHRC chairperson urged people to approach the Manipur Human Rights Commission, the Supreme Court, or elected representatives for grievances. He emphasized that unequal development is the root problem and that corruption has no place in society, a stance the MHRC is committed to upholding. He encouraged raising one’s voice to address issues in the proper forum and fighting for rights.
The program was attended by the DLOs, district CSO representatives including the NPMHR-S, NWU, SDSA, SDWA, KSTC, Chiefs association, different college professors, NGOs, etc.