Rights activists hail SC order

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| July 14

Human rights activists hailed the directive of the Supreme Court as a “landmark” decision and hope that justice will be done even though delayed.

Human Rights Alert (HRA) executive director Babloo Loitongbam said the 1528 cases of fake encounters had been petitioned to the Supreme Court way back in 2012 September by the Extra-Judicial Execution Families Association, Manipur (EEFAM) and HRA.

“We warmly welcome the judgement, now the ball is in the CBI’s court. We have to wait and see how the investigations will be carried out,” he said.

Babloo was, however, skeptical alleging that in the earlier cases of fake encounters which were charge-sheeted by the CBI justice is not entirely done. “We are not satisfied with the CBI investigations, those who ordered the executions must be held liable. They have to be pulled up and befitting punishment should be meted out,” Babloo said.

Joining Babloo’s statements at the HRA office at Kwakeithel, EEFAM president Thakellembam Renu said that finally the sufferings of the public and the victim families may end. “There is satisfaction in our hearts. We felt earlier that justice will not be done but the order of the Supreme Court has brought new hope,” she said.

Renu appealed to the public and the civil organizations to come out voluntarily and help in the investigations which will be conducted by the CBI. “Please give any evidence and I urge individuals to testify. You need to come out bravely to end this fake encounters, punishment should be awarded to the guilty,” she appealed.