Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) on Saturday raised concerns in connection with the incidents of violence which have been taking place since the last few months in different parts of Manipur in connection with the upcoming elections.
In a release, YFPHR appealed to the state government, governor, MHRC and the department of Home to urgently intervene into the matter and direct the intending candidates of various assembly constituencies to immediately stop any escalation of violence and stop harassing and injuring the civilians and respect the rule of law.
YFPHR stated that the cases of violence in connection with elections have been taking place since the middle of 2020 in Andro assembly constituency and still prevailing till date. It resulted in destruction of houses and injuring many innocent people, YFPHR stated.
The same could be observed in Heirok, Khangabok and Yairipok of Thoubal district wherein houses were destroyed while civilians and media persons were assaulted, it further stated, adding gun fights and various other incidents also took place.
It stated that such acts are being committed by those who claimed to be the supporters of different candidates of different areas. They are not booked and arrested according to the rule of law by the state government, despite knowing that civilians are the victims and need protection, it added.
The state is responsible in protecting the rights of its civilians who are victimised in such violence; however, it is a matter of shame for the Government of Manipur as it is unable to put an end to these incidents which continues to occur in the state, it stated.
The forum also appealed to the general public to refrain from indulging in violence.
