Imphal, March 27, 2006: The Threatened Indigenous Peoples` Society, TIPS, has shelved plans to form a fact-finding team to investigate into the allegations of mass rape being levelled against the underground groups UNLF and KCP in view of the refusal of certain civil society organisations to extend their cooperation.
The decision was taken after detailed discussions at a meeting of representatives of various public organisations and human rights bodies on March 25 at the Manipur Press Club, a statement issued by TIPS stated.
Terming the decision of the Kuki Students Organisation, and some other organisations not to allow the proposed fact-finding team access to the victims as very unfortunate, TIPS said these organisations had been expected to be the first to come forward to extend their cooperation.
Questioning their stance, TIPS wondered whether the intention of the groups was to foster continued confusion among the public on the issue.
Noting that the underground groups involved, the UNLF and the KCP had promised their full cooperation to the fact finding team, pledging to give capital punishment to any cadres found guilty, TIPS asked whether the KSO and other organisations were not interested in uncovering the truth.
TIPS also pointed out that the issue was communally sensitive, and reiterated that it ought to be settled by a joint investigation.
Source: The Imphal Free Press
See also:
- Environmental Clearance of Tipaimukh Dam by MoEF (October 31st, 2008)
- Chakka bandh on Sep 18 against Tipaimukh dam (September 17th, 2008)
- 1 lakh Manipur villagers hit by bamboo flowering (September 2nd, 2008)
- Heavy security to be deployed on 99 km stretch of road to Tipaimukh dam (July 29th, 2008)
- Army launches Tipaimukh vigil (April 30th, 2008)