SIPHRO

Imphal, March 10, 2006: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) has welcome and appreciated the clarification presented by UNLF concerning the allegations of mass rape in Churachandpur district and subsequent invitation for an independent probe into the allegations.

A statement issued by CORE also expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in such a probe free of any impartiality to settle the matter to the satisfaction of all concerned.

It maintained that in the interest of humanity and particularly of the reported victims, no one should be above law while expressing a tinge of skepticism in the reported investigations by some organisations/individuals including the Government of Manipur.

Observing that Manipur is fast deteriorating into a state of anarchy and turmoil with crime rate increasing at an alarming rate as is evident in the recent torture and sexual harassment of M Naobi by commandos followed by the allegations of mass rape in Churachandpur district by UG cadres, it noted that the State Government has totally failed to deliver justice in all these issues as every judicial or other inquiry has proved to be a futile exercise, always immersed in the never ending vortex of legal entanglement.

The statement also took serious note of the vulnerability of common people in the face of rampant human right violations by both State and non-State entities.

Nevertheless, it welcome and appreciated the clarification and invitation of UNLF for an open and independent inquiry as a remarkable and progressive step and called upon civil society to reciprocate the initiative of UNLF positively and responsibly instead of seeking to politicise and communalise the alleged crimes, or sanctify and sanitize narrow interest.

Source: The Sangai Express