IMPHAL, January 17: The District Women Committee, UNM-M Chandel in collaboration with ATSUM conducted a one-day consultation programme on International Humanitarian Law and Right to Life at Lokhijan Primary School, Sugunu.
Speaking as a resource person, Babloo Loitongbam talked about International Humanitarian Law and stated that AFSPA violated the Indian constitution as well as International Humanitarian Law.
He said the amelioration on sick and wounded soldiers during war, a proportionate means or method of warfare and protection of civilian population are the three principles of International Humanitarian law. The plan allocation of Rs. 4000 crores is not only for the pockets of politicians but also for respecting human rights of citizens. This should be fulfilled by the government and the rights of every citizen should not be violated, Babloo said.
The Geneva Convention declaration on International Humanitarian Law has mentioned that the right to a fair trial, right to life and right against torture must be respected even when emergency is declared in a country or state. The additional protocol-II of Geneva Convention laid down some principles to be followed by the state and non-state actors.
Babloo said that now the time has changed as non-state actors are also accountable for their activities. If any non-state actor violated the law, they are punishable by law because they have to follow the humanitarian law and rules. So, the humanitarian law can help bring peace in the areas affected by insurgency and insurgency prone areas.
Shangnaida Tontang spoke on the participation of women in governance. In her lecture, she said the culture, custom and traditions of society have restricted the potentials of women. Especially in the context of Manipur, women of the tribal community are not consulted even if they have more knowledge than their male counterparts in the village or community administration, she added.
She said that daughters can`™t lay claim to the property of their fathers. Women are also human beings and they also have the same rights under the Indian constitution or International Humanitarian law. So we need to enjoy the same right as men but social norms have restricted our rights, she added.
If the system allows, women can take part in administration and bring down crime against women. Now, women have no security and are vulnerable in every place, she added.