Guwahati/Imphal, Nov 17: Justice Arun Kumar Mishra (retd), Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), announced on Friday that the commission has directed the Manipur government to expedite compensation payments in pending cases of individuals who lost their lives. The directive emphasizes completing compensation disbursements within four weeks, with additional compensation for house reconstruction to be provided within six weeks.
During a two-day ‘camp sitting’ of NHRC in Guwahati, Mishra revealed that the commission had addressed various issues in Manipur, including highway blockades, and discussed a government roadmap to restore normalcy. Mishra informed the media that an ex gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh had already been paid to the next of kin for 93 individuals who lost their lives in various incidents in Manipur.
“The state government reported around 180 deaths, and we have instructed them to expedite compensations in pending cases within the next four weeks. Compensation for the reconstruction of houses must be disbursed within six weeks,” Mishra stated.
NHRC recently organized a National Conference in Guwahati on ‘Advancing Human Rights through Local Self-Governments’ to raise awareness among local self-governments on various human rights aspects.
Expressing concern over ethnic conflicts in Manipur contributing to social and political tensions, Mishra highlighted that NHRC had received Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from the Manipur government in response to notices regarding incidents of violence since May 3. The reports outlined measures taken by the state, such as reinforcing law and order machinery, setting up relief camps and peace committees, relaxing curfews, restoring internet and banking services, providing ex gratia for the deceased families, compensating the injured, and rebuilding damaged houses.
To address the causes of the conflict, the Centre has formed a Commission of Inquiry, and six FIRs have been transferred to the CBI for independent investigation.
During the ‘camp sitting’ in Guwahati, NHRC heard 56 cases related to human rights violations in Manipur, registering a total of 18 cases connected to the incidents of violence over the past six months. The intervention of the Commission has resulted in the payment, or in-process disbursement, of Rs 3.55 crore in relief to victims in various northeastern states.
