Imphal, March 3, 2006: A five-member factfinding team representing human rights bodies and civil society organisations is leaving Imphal for the refugee camps in Mizoram where Hmar civilians from Manipur are currently staying after fleeing from their homes in the Tipaimukh subdivision to look into their condition and the causes of their displacement.
The team will be led by Aram Pamei, president, Rongmei Association, Joseph Hmar, president, Hmar Students Association, Babloo Loitongbam, executive director, Human Rights Alert, advocate Meihoubam Rakesh and Elizabeth Hmar.
The fact-finding team will visit Aizwal and Sakawardai in Mizoram and Parbung, Lungthulin, and Tipaimukh, in Churachandpur district in the course of their trip.
The team will investigate into the reports of human rights violations by underground militants and security forces that have apparently forced the Hmar civilians to flee their homes, particularly the allegations of rape, according to team representatives who spoke to mediapersons at the office of Human Rights Alert.
The trip is also an expression of solidarity to the victims of the recent violence in Tipaimukh subdivision, they added.
Source: The Imphal Free Press