Stating that the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) cannot take up suo-motu without the complaint from poll violence victims, as per media reports, the Commission has told victims to lodge complaints.
Addressing the press at the MHRC office, acting chairperson Khaidem Mani said that certain violence, threat and gunshot reports have been published in different local newspapers as well as in electronic media. However, partiality of taking up suo-motu on one specific violence or threat or gunshot cannot be taken up without complaint.
The commission knows that poll violence and practicing illegal practices and even using arms for poll campaigns is against the law and illegal. But many incidents of violence have been reported through media only and no complaint lodged before the commission which can actually solve the issue of the poll campaign, Khaidem Mani said.
The commission will not remain silent for those who face violation of human rights, the acting chairperson. Certain issues like bomb blast, gun shot, fighting between rival candidates workers have been reported through media. But there are so many violences that the commission cannot take up suo-motu on one violence. If the commission makes one single complaint then the commission can utilise the power by recommending authorities for prompt investigation, he said.
"Police should not depend on the power of ruling or opposition candidates", Khaidem Mani said, adding that police should not be in favour of powerful people. He urged people of the state not to be afraid of filing complaints as the commission's doors open for violation of human rights victims.
