IMPHAL, January 18: To protect the rights of every citizen is the duty of the government, said director, Human Rights Alert, Babloo Loitongbam while adding that in order to maintain peace in a state or a country, the government must safeguard the citizens.
He was speaking at a one day workshop on “International Humanitarian Law of Women’s Right” held today at Youth Hostel on the topic “Human Rights and Violence against Women”.
He alleged that the government of India has betrayed the people of the state by enforcing the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act (AFSPA) in the state.
He further said that the people of the state need to be aware about the impacts of AFSPA in the state and fight for its repeal.
The workshop further decided on seven recommendations for the government of India which include urging the centre for the repeal of the AFSPA from the entire NE states, particularly from Manipur; to respect and implement the Geneva Convention, 1949 common article 3 and additional protocol II of 1977 and to follow International Humanitarian Law etc.
Another set of recommendations for the political armed opposition groups include urging to respect and implement the Geneva Convention, 1949’s common Article 3 and additional Protocol II of 1977 and to urge for reconciliation among the factions and stop inter factional fighting in the interest of the common people.
