On perusal the news reports, this commission is of the view that the allegation labelled by a sitting MLA who is also holding responsible post in the government, against the MLAs, ministers and even the police officers are very serious in nature, said MHRC
TFM Report
Taking serious note of startling revelation by a ruling sitting MLA about alleged nexus between Ministers and drug lords, Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has initiated suo motu proceedings against the state government based on the news reports published in various local dailies and vernaculars.
The commission directed the special secretary (Home), government of Manipur and Director General of Police, Manipur to examine the contents of the news reports and make necessary inquiry/investigation and report be submitted before this commission on or before May 5, 2021
Directing its Registry to register Suo-Motu case under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, MHRC Acting Chairperson Khaidem Mani has posted the case on May 5, 2021 for further proceedings.
In the news reports, there has been a serious allegation labelled against the Ministers, MLAs and Police officers for their nexus with drug lords and kingpins, noted the MHRC in its complaint filed by its deputy secretary. “The MLA who is also the deputy chairperson of state planning board has alleged that “Even as the government is waging a war on drugs, MLA, minister and politician have supported drug Loads” published by Sanaleibak daily”, it said.
The commission further said, “On perusal the news reports, this commission is of the view that the allegation labelled by a sitting MLA who is also holding responsible post in the government, against the MLAs, ministers and even the police officers are very serious in nature and therefore, the matter deserves the intervention of this Commission.”
It is note-worthy that menace of drug may have devastating Human Rights violation consequences and undermines the right to health and privacy as a matter of collective human rights of the citizens of this country in general and the citizens in Manipur in particular, it added.
The commission sent copies of proceedings along with the news reports to the respondents — the special secretary (home) and the DGP — so as enable to take necessary action on or before May 5, 2021.
Speaking at a function organised by the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) on March March 2, 2020, BJP MLA and Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Lourembam Rameshwor alleged that most of the drug lords or kingpins are very close to some MLAs and Ministers as the politicians (Ministers/MLAs) are backing them. “Moreover, there is suspected involvement of some police officers in the illegal drug trade. This was informed to me by a very concerned police personnel who is very close to me,” he said.
“Naming the MLAs, Ministers would cause enmity but I am expressing this as I can no longer tolerate the nexus. If we must overcome the problems of drugs, these politicians and some of the police personnel under the Home Department need to be sincere. If they are sincere in their efforts, then the problems of drugs can be curbed sooner,” Rameshwor asserted.