MHRC chairperson Khaidem Mani maintained that the commission is not at all concerned with the receipt of any credit from the public. Instead, the MHRC is doing its duty as best it can to serve the people of Manipur who approached the Commission for the redress of their grievances, he added.
TFM Report
Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Saturday advised Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitongbam to be careful about what he says on public platforms. MHRC issued a statement as a response to the allegations labeled by Babloo Loitongbam against the commission, regarding the enquiry to be conducted by MHRC in connection with the death of Athuan Abonmei and distribution of rice to the beneficiaries of Tokpaching area under National Food Security Act and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
It may be noted that during a discussion in a local TV channel on October 28, Babloo Loitongbam had stated that the enquiry to be initiated by MHRC on Athuan Abonmai case cannot be trusted as the commission could not adhere to its own order.
The HRA had also released a press statement on Friday claiming that on October 11, JAC submitted an application to initiate legal proceedings against willful disobedience of MHRC’s recommendation. However, the MHRC, instead of taking action against the authorities, caved in to their pressure and liberally allowed the compliance report to be filed on October 29.
Addressing media persons, MHRC chairperson Khaidem Mani maintained that the commission is not at all concerned with the receipt of any credit from the public. Instead, the MHRC is doing its duty as best it can to serve the people of Manipur who approached the Commission for the redress of their grievances. “So, Babloo Loitongbam is advised to care about his speech through public platforms and media and the MHRC has no interest in receiving credit from the public,” he said.
Mani also asserted that while the investigation by the NIA is to nab the culprits, the inquiry by the MHRC is to not only arrest the culprits but to prevent such incidents from happening again. The commission will also find out if there were any lapses from the state government and security personnel. He also urged the family of Athuan Abonmai, JAC and people in general to co-operate the commission in the inquiry, he added.
The MHRC also clarified that Ningthoujam Pateshori Devi of Tokpaching filed MHRC Complaint Case No. 86 of 2021 alleging that Deputy Commissioner, Kakching and District Supply Officer failed to take necessary action despite submitting written representation in connection with the non distribution of rice as per the requirement of National Food Security Act to the residence of Ward No. 9/2 of Heidroipokpi Leikai of Arong Nongmaikhong, Gram Panchayat, Kakching District.
In this case, the MHRC has directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kakching and District Supply Officer to ensure that required rice be distributed to the eligible beneficiaries as per the requirement of NFSA and PMGKAY and submit the compliance report on October 07, 2021. The case was put on October 11, 2021 as the date of submission of compliance report i.e. October 07, 2021 being a state holiday on account of Mera Houchongba, he added.
The District Supply Officer who appeared in person before the commission on October 11, 2021 prayed that he may be allowed to submit a compliance report after a fortnight on the ground that he was yet to receive an inquiry report from his staff. His prayer was allowed directing him to submit a compliance report in pursuant to the proceeding of this Commission without fail. In compliance to the direction of this Commission, District Supply Officer, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Kakching District, Manipur submitted his action taken report along with the acknowledgment of distribution of rice that he received from the complainant namely Ningthoujam Pateshori Devi.
Mani made it clear that MHRC always follows legally acceptable traditions that are prevalent in this country.
When TFM sought his reaction to the statement made by MHRC chairperson Khaidem Mani, Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitongbam gave a one-sentence succinct reply, “Thank you for the unsolicited advice MHRC!”