MPHRC on human rights

SHILLONG, DEC 10: The Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) urged the state government to fulfill its mandate to address situations of violations of human rights in the state.  The demand was made on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day,

In  his statement MPHRC chairman Dino DG Dympep  said the government must also respond promptly to any human rights emergencies by articulating a meaningful response to prevent further deterioration of the human rights situation and to resolve the protracted crisis by taking further steps which is appropriate.

According to him, both at the centre and the state have miserably failed in its duty to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of its citizens.

“The government indifference to the people’s long pending demand and its refusal to repeal the Draconian Law such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that shields armed personnel from prosecution for their human rights violations illustrates the government’s disrespect for human rights,” Dympep said.

He said the struggle for the promotion and protection of human rights has been a global concerned.

“Unfortunately the human rights situation in Meghalaya in particular still remains grim,” he said adding “The widespread flagrant violation of human rights includes arbitrary detention including death in police custody, kidnapping and killing with impunity by both the security apparatus and the insurgent groups. The state’s failure to protect women and children from abuse and sexual assault including rising incidence of rape – despite ‘severe’ laws – is only too well known.”

Expressing its strong condemnation against the alleged political violence and human rights violations and abuses committed in Garo hills as well as the ongoing impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, Dympep said, “The present situation requires the urgent intervention of the government to address these violations as a matter of critical priority, including conducting impartial and independent investigations with a view to bringing those responsible to justice.”-By Our Reporter