IMPHAL, Feb 17: The Manipur Human Right Commission (MHRC) today briefed the officials of the British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata about the prevailing situation of Human Rights violations and the sorry state of the Manipur Human Right Commission in the state.
Two officials of the British Deputy High Commission, Sanjay Wadvani, Deputy High Commission Eastern India and Mainak De, Head Eastern India, Press and Public Affair, visited Manipur to take the accounts of the prevailing Human Right violations including the case of Sanjit and Rabina (victims of July 23 Khwairamband firing incident).
During their visit the officials met the DGP of Manipur and also member of the Manipur Human Right Commission RK. Rajendra (retired Lt. Col.).
While briefing media persons, in this connection today in Imphal, Col. )retd) RK. Rajendra, member of the MHRC, asserted that the two officials personally met him to enquire about the functioning of the MHRC and to take stock of prevailing situation in the state today during which they were briefed of the disparity between the privilege enjoyed by human rights commission in other states of the country, Rajendra said.
According to Rajendra, the MHRC is far below in status as comparted to commissions in other state in terms of manpower, infrastructure, etc.
A commission should have at least 100 to 135 staffs of its own which includes administration staff headed by a full fledged secretary, law division, research and training group, information group with coordinator, investigation team headed by an officer not less than the rank of Inspector General, special reporter etc.
However the MHRC functions with only about twelve staffs including two members but unfortunately some of the staffs are temporary, Rajendra said adding even the law secretary attends office of the MHRC only twice a week.
Moreover during his term he has witnessed changes of staffs thrice claimed Rajendra adding that he enjoyed rupees eight thousands as salary for the month while a member in Kolkata received 1.50 lakhs rupees and yet his salary has been under seized since July. 2009.
He also opined that he has been under strict surveillance that even his phone calls were being tapped.
The commission also collected news reports cuttings over various human rights violation including the discipline of the security forces.
After being briefed of the situation as asked by the officials of the British Deputy High Commission, they expressed their appreciation of the commendable jobs of the MHRC for keeping the commission running despite the apathy, said Rajendra.
Another two officials of the British Deputy High Commission, Barnard Grey, consultant secretary office on top assignment in American embassy in New Delhi and Erl Robert Miller.
According to official sources, Barnard ray will be going to access the social status of the state and Erl Robert miller is on official assignment to study the present law and order situation of the state in relation with insurgency problems.
Further the sources said that Erl Robert Miller is going to meet the state DGP and collect information of incidents that happened in the state during the course of counter insurgency operation.