The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has taken up a suo-motu case regarding the closing of oil pumps (retail outlets) in Manipur. After proceeding, MHRC directed a show cause to the chief secretary and commissioner of Public Distribution, government of Manipur to reply on or before February 3.
The suo-motu proceeding was taken up under section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 upon the media report wherein it reported that Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Nayara Energy have resolved to close their oil pumps (retail outlets) in Manipur.
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The closure of the oil pumps was enforced following the alleged security lapses and vandalisation of 59 commercial trucks and injuries to two truck drivers in Kangpokpi.
Report also mentioned that civil bodies of Kangpokpi, under the aegis of KSO Sadar Hills, imposed a total bandh on movement of all commercial trucks from 12:00 AM of January 21 in connection with the hit and run case in which one youth from Keithelmanbi Military Colony was killed.
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The news report also contained the demands of All Manipur Petroleum Products Drivers Association for probing the security lapses and adequate compensation to the injured drivers and for the vehicles damaged.
The commission opined that the matter is required to be probed very carefully to ensure the right to life, personal liberty etc guaranteed by Article 21 read with Article 14 of the constitution of India.
The commission issued a notice to the chief secretary of Manipur and commissioner of public distribution, government of Manipur to show cause as to why such appropriate direction or recommendation as the commission deems fit should not be issued.
