Speaking to newsmen at the residence of one Khumbongmayum Lata at Keishampat Jailor Leirak today, members of 11 such families contended that despite the submission of the State Government to the Supreme Court they are yet to receive any compensation so far.
This is despite the fact that the family members have all submitted the required documents along with photo copies of bank pass books where the compensation can be transferred. The family members said that they have checked the bank pass books and account statements and they have come to know that no compensation has been made till date.
The Supreme Court had on April 22 this year ordered that compensation of Rs 1,54,00,000 should be paid to 28 victims which works out to Rs 5,50,000 per family. This also includes an additional amount of Rs 50,000 to be paid for not giving the compensation earlier.
During the hearing on April 22, 2016, the counsel for the State of Manipur had pleaded with the Supreme Court to give four weeks time to pay the compensation.
Following the appeal of the counsel, the Supreme Court issued an order that the compensation should be paid within four weeks time (counting from April 22).
The Court further made it clear that it will not extend the time after the four weeks period since the order to pay the compensation was passed on December 8, 2015.
Following the strict instructions of the Supreme Court, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of the State Government, Dr J Suresh Babu issued an order on June 9 this year that in compliance with the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission and in compliance with the writ petition (criminal) No. 129/2012 of the Supreme Court order dated April 22, 2016, the Government of Manipur has sanctioned Rs 1,54,00,000 for payment of compensation (Rs 5,50,000 each) to the next of kin of 28 victims.
However despite the submission of the State Government to the Supreme Court on July 13 that compensation has been paid, members of the 11 families contended that they have not received any money till date.
The family members further said that they went to the Secretariat today to meet Dr J Suresh Babu to highlight that they have not received the compensation but could not meet him at the office.
