The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Sunday undertook an investigation into private deaddiction and rehabilitation centers in Imphal West and Thoubal districts and came across violations of government guidelines and human rights.
Led by its chairperson UB Saha, a team from MHRC conducted surprise visits to three such facilities. The inspection was conducted based on reports of arbitrary or forceful pick up of users in private de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.
During the inspections, New Life Solution Rehabilitation Centre and Anouba Yenning Rehabilitation Centre in Thoubal district came under scrutiny for alleged breaches of regulations.
At New Life Solution Rehabilitation Centre, failure to maintain proper records, including the omission of new inmates’ names, raised serious concerns.
In this regard, the chairperson had personally instructed the concerned police station to look into the matter for necessary actions.
Meanwhile, Anouba Yenning Rehabilitation Centre faced allegations of forcibly detaining six inmates, a claim substantiated by the detainees themselves during the MHRC inspection.
The center’s substandard facilities, characterised by unhygienic restrooms and inadequate lighting and under standard dormitories, further highlighted the severity of the situation.
Determined to uphold human rights standards, the MHRC chairperson pledged decisive measures against the implicated centres. However, amid these troubling findings, Shine IRAC in Imphal West emerged as a beacon of compliance, impressing the MHRC team with its adherence to protocols and standards.
In addition to scrutinising de-addiction centers, the MHRC team extended its oversight to Punya Nawa Yaiphakol, a children’s home in Imphal West.
Engaging with staff and residents, the team ensured a comprehensive assessment of the facility’s operations, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all individuals under its purview.
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