A Press Release as regard to Torture on Three Indigenous People by the Manipur Valley Based Non State Actor
The 27th April, 2012

Taking strong exception to the news report on the 26th April, 2012, Manipur Express under the caption “ Phaizang Helpawl-te’n B. Kaljang khawmi 3 soisa in a van uh laksak”, the Foundation is seriously concerned and disturbed about the invidious situation of Human Rights Violation occurred in the eastern side of Churachandpur District on 20th April, 2012 ( 03:30 pm) at a distance of 65 kilometers from Churachanpur police station.

In connection with this, the Working Group of the Foundation conducted a spot inquiry and investigation and recorded verbal statements from the three tortured victims, which includes 1. Mr. Tualkhenmang aged about 36 S/o (L) Chinkhup, B. Kalzang Village, 2. Mr. Thangkhogin aged about 38 years, S/o Ngulzathang of B. Kalzang Vilalge, 3. Thangzakai aged about 36 years S/o Suan Do Lian of B. Kalzang Village.

That, the three victims were all indigenous peoples, who earn their livelihood through the aged old traditional practice of hunting and roaming around in the jungle looking for whatever resources the land provides for one’s sustenance. That they were encircled, nabbed and inhumanly tortured on the false pretext that they were the espionage of the Indian Security forces or the indigenous tribal insurgency group is regrettable, and unfortunate to be acted upon innocent tribals. The fact that they were trapped near the international border between India and Burma is an ominous sign which speaks volumes under whose appendage they could misbehave and dabble in such adventurism. Further to interrogate and tortured black and blue and to leave those hapless victims in the jungle is against all norms of civility.

So, therefore, the Foundation call the Manipur Valley based Non State Actors to abstain and ceased from torture to Indigenous People in every Hill Districts of Manipur and in a cross border areas of Indo-Burma. The manner in which the torture met out by the Non State Actors could be counted as terrorist act in spite of Insurgency. UN Convention Against Torture is a law/convention that provides the inherent rights and freedom set forth which is to respect by every human being. The Article 5 of UDHR and Article 7 of ICCPR, both of which provides that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman treatment or punishment.

Issued by:
Information and Publicity Department
Zomi Human Rights Foundation, GHQ