Observance of Minority Rights Day in Manipur: Pledge and Corollary – KanglaOnline

Observance of Minority Rights Day in Manipur: Pledge and CorollaryKanglaOnlineManipur State Minorities Commission has been observing “Minorities Rights Day” on 18th December every year since its inception. The same day was observed for the same cau…

Observance of Minority Rights Day in Manipur: Pledge and Corollary
KanglaOnline
Manipur State Minorities Commission has been observing “Minorities Rights Day” on 18th December every year since its inception. The same day was observed for the same cause this year too (just a few days back) at Kangla Hall, Imphal which was attended

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Observance of Minority Rights Day in Manipur: Pledge and Corollary

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Observance of Minority Rights Day in Manipur: Pledge and Corollary Dr. M. Bahar Ud Din Shah Manipur State Minorities Commission has been observing “Minorities Rights Day” on 18th December every year since its inception. The same day was observed for … Continue reading

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Observance of Minority Rights Day in Manipur:
Pledge and Corollary
Dr. M. Bahar Ud Din Shah

Manipur State Minorities Commission has been observing “Minorities Rights Day” on 18th December every year since its inception. The same day was observed for the same cause this year too (just a few days back) at Kangla Hall, Imphal which was attended by minority communities of the state such as Muslims, Meitei Christians, and Meitei Buddhists etc. along with Hon’ble Minister Agriculture and Fisheries, Janab Md. Abdul Nasir, Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary MOBC & SC and Science and Technology, Janab Md. Amin Shah, Hon’ble MLA, Wabgai AC, Janab Md. Fajur Rahim and Hon’ble Chairperson Manipur State Minorities Commission, Janab Alhaj Abdul Halim Chowdhury, IAS (Retd.) etc. on the dias as dignitaries.

The most important goal of observance of Minorities Rights Day is to understand the rights of Minorities as well as to pursue inexorably with all efforts to fulfill these rights. Question here comes in mind was “Are Minorities Rights different from Human Rights?” Answer is definitely NO. Then why is Minorities Rights? Why a particular day is observed as Minorities Rights Day? Is it not something that the minorities are illtreated, discriminated, abused, disgraced and sidelined by refusing their due human rights and at the same time pursuing them by offering some sweet candy to appease and to take part in nation building. If due human rights are given to all section of the society regardless of any majority of minority, no such separate rights need to be offered. But it seems to be the need of the hour if you see the present scenario where the social, economic and educational statuses of the minorities which are pathetic, horrible and deplorable.

The promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to such minorities whether it is defined by less in numbers or by their social status, contribute to the political and social stability of the state in which they live. Meeting their aspirations and ensuring their rights acknowledge the dignity and equality of all individuals and further participatory development. This in turn contributes to the lessening of tensions among groups and individuals. These factors are major determinants for stability and peace. Thus the faith and confidence of the minorities in the functioning of the State in an impartial manner is an acid test of its being just a State.

There is a need to introspect about the status of Minority rights in India in general and Manipur in particular. Minority right is a concept which was founded on the democratic norms. That was only on 18th December, 1992, the United Nations (UN), with an aim of safety, security, promotion, protection and development of the status and rights of minorities which not only less in numbers but also a weaker section of the society, had affirmed the “Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities”. Since then, the day has been observing every year throughout the world as ‘Minorities Rights Day’. The global community through UN has tried to evolve the norms for these rights for all the people of the world. One can surely say that the status of the democracy of a country can be judged by the status of minority, particularly the religious minorities and weaker sections of society. On that scale of 20 years of declaration of Minority Rights, the implementation of these rights if not formulation, most obviously we in Manipur are lagging far behind in this direction.

It is a known fact that Manipur State Minorities Commission was constituted by an executive order of the Govt. of Manipur on 20th February, 2004 as One Man Commission with Janab Alhaj Abdul Halim Choudhury Shahib, IAS (Retd.) as the Chairperson of the Commission. Terms of reference of the Commission, as mentioned in its Annual Report, 2010-11, were:
• To evaluate the working of the various safeguards provided in the Constitution and in the laws passed by the State Legislature.
• To make recommendations with a view to ensuring effective implementation and enforcement of all the safeguards.
• To undertake a review of the implementation of policies and schemes of the State Government with respect to minorities.
• To suggest to the State Government appropriate legal and welfare measures in respect of minorities.
• To study and other matter which, in the opinion of the Commission is important from the point of view of the welfare and development of minorities and make appropriate recommendations.
• To undertake a review of the implementation of the PM’s 15 Point Programme.
• To consider the grievances of the minorities and suggest appropriate solution from time to time,
• To make periodical reports to the State Government at prescribed interval etc.
Every effort has been made to give the Commission a statutory status and now it gains its goal after the Manipur State Minorities Commission Bill 2010 passed by the State Legislative Assembly on 29th June, 2010. It is a good thing that such a Commission was constituted and came into being on 20th February, 2004 and is one of the very few in the country (not all the states have their minority commission). Manipur State Minorities Commission is now functioning as three member commission with a Chairman and two members represented from different minority communities of the state and is being administered with the help of a Secretary on deputation basis. Commission loads so much of work to be done with less no. of staffs and “ludicrous powers”. I said ludicrous power with much emphasize even after having statutory status because of its nature of function with seemingly no such power to implement, monitor and review the welfare schemes of minorities. Letters and recommendations are kept on sending to the concerned ministers and bureaucrats but hardly any action is seen in and out. Does the Commission ever relook any of its recommendations made and know the status? Very few of it might have been ignited but contemptible.
Let us not forget that the Indian Constitution is also committed to the equality of citizens and the responsibility of the State to preserve, protect and assure the rights of minorities in matters of language, religion and culture. That is why our national leaders while framing the Constitution, emphasized the doctrine of unity in diversity.

As democracy is a game of numbers, the numerically weaker sections of the citizenry in any society may and often do get marginalized by the majority. In such a situation legal protection from the hegemony and preponderance of the majority community becomes a pressing need of the religious Minorities as a whole, and not just that of the ‘backward’ sections among them. To provide such necessary protection by law we do have in the Constitution a Directive Principle of State Policy, Article 46, which speaks of “weaker sections of the people” – notably without subjecting them to the condition of backwardness – and mandates the State to “promote with special care” the educational and economic interests of such sections.

Last year in the Kangla Hall when the same day observance was held, the Hon’ble Chief Minister emphasized on strengthening and capacity building by employing more staffs including a permanent Secretary of the Commission. Two years back on the very date at G. M. Hall, Imphal, the then Hon’ble Minister of Education who was the Chief Guest of the function assured the audience that the budget earmarked has been made to establish model girls schools at muslim inhabited sites. Indeed, any of those assurances given are hardly seen in reality.

This year too, reluctantly yet meticulously, the members on the dias quoted certain achievements of the Government over and above Minority Community in the recent past and highlighted the areas to be addressed to start with. Let us see how much of their assurance is going to be ignited.

Adding to the terms of references made while constituting the Commission, it is necessary to bestow more powers to the Commission while delivering their functions. Some of the steps needs to be taken with immediate effect are,
• Increase the no. of supporting staffs, Research cum Documentation Cell may be opened for effective implementation of the welfare schemes. Permanent Research Staffs should be appointed.
• Commission should be associated with the state Government in the formulation of Minorities specific Plan Proposals and Schemes.
• Commission should also be granted the power of follow up action and enquiry of its recommendations made.
• Legal Status to the PM’s 15 Point Program so as to enable effective implementations and achieving the desired goals.
• Power to implement, monitor and review the schemes free handed especially under Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Program.

As the processes of economic development unfold, pressures are likely to build up and intensify when there is unequal development and some groups or minorities lag behind in the development process. Ideally, development processes should remove or reduce economic and social obstacles to cooperation and mutual respect among all groups in the society. If development processes are misdirected, they may have the ill effect. It is this aspect which is important and needs to be addressed so as to give confidence to minorities.

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Chandel, Napetpali incidents condemned

A public meeting held at Risophung village in Senapati district has condemned the Chandel incident in which an NSCN IM cadre molested and assaulted film actress Momoco as well as the Napetpali incident in which a young tribal girl was molested by three…

A public meeting held at Risophung village in Senapati district has condemned the Chandel incident in which an NSCN IM cadre molested and assaulted film actress Momoco as well as the Napetpali incident in which a young tribal girl was molested by three miscreants Source Hueiyen News Service

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Protest staged over Chandel incident

A sit in protest demonstration was staged at Changangei Uchekon today decrying the Chandel incident of molesting film actress Momoco and opening fire at two other male artistes by one NSCN IM cadre identified as Livingstone during a musical concert o…

A sit in protest demonstration was staged at Changangei Uchekon today decrying the Chandel incident of molesting film actress Momoco and opening fire at two other male artistes by one NSCN IM cadre identified as Livingstone during a musical concert on December 18 Source Hueiyen News Service

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Ukhrul AC MLA denied escort

In an apparent bid to dissuade the MLA of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency to proceed to his native place at Hundung on the ground that the UNC sponsored bandh is underway, the State Government withdrew the security escort provided to him Source The San…

In an apparent bid to dissuade the MLA of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency to proceed to his native place at Hundung on the ground that the UNC sponsored bandh is underway, the State Government withdrew the security escort provided to him Source The Sangai Express

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No let up in cries for punishing Livingstone

The mass public protest which was staged today at Shumang Leela Shanglen under the joint aegis of Film Forum Manipur, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and AMMIK, has unanimously resolved to carry on with the ongoing agitation over the Chandel moles…

The mass public protest which was staged today at Shumang Leela Shanglen under the joint aegis of Film Forum Manipur, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and AMMIK, has unanimously resolved to carry on with the ongoing agitation over the Chandel molestation case until and unless the concerned authorities arrest and take up necessary legal actions against Livingstone Source Hueiyen News Service

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Youth leadership programme at Guwahati

Programme Co ordinator of Manipur University NSS Cell has informed the PG and professional courses students of different colleges, Universities and technical institutes of the State that Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development, Government…

Programme Co ordinator of Manipur University NSS Cell has informed the PG and professional courses students of different colleges, Universities and technical institutes of the State that Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development, Government of India will conduct the Rajiv Gandhi Youth Leadership Internship Programme from January 15 to February 14 next year at Bon Bosco Institute, Guwahati Source The Sangai Express

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SAFNA condemns Napetpali incident

The Saikul Area Foot Hills Naga Association SAFNA has condemned the incident of Napetpali where a young tribal girl was molested by three persons in the evening of December 24 Source Hueiyen News Service

The Saikul Area Foot Hills Naga Association SAFNA has condemned the incident of Napetpali where a young tribal girl was molested by three persons in the evening of December 24 Source Hueiyen News Service

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Killing of video journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Inquiry on

The three member enquiry team constituted in connection with the killing of video journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Nanao held its second sitting in the office of Principal Secretary Home at Secretariat South Block at 11 Source The Sangai Express

The three member enquiry team constituted in connection with the killing of video journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Nanao held its second sitting in the office of Principal Secretary Home at Secretariat South Block at 11 Source The Sangai Express

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UKLF celebrates Christmas

The Kuki Army United Kuki Liberation Front celebrated the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ at its GHQ, Nazareth Muvanphoi camp, Chandel District, Manipur from the 24 to 26 Dec Source Hueiyen News Service

The Kuki Army United Kuki Liberation Front celebrated the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ at its GHQ, Nazareth Muvanphoi camp, Chandel District, Manipur from the 24 to 26 Dec Source Hueiyen News Service

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21st Imphal Book Fair cut short

The 21st Imphal Book Fair 2012 was cut short owing to the recent indefinite Manipur bandh and that participants representing many book firms from outside just had to pack up their things and leave the state in frustration Source The Sangai Express …

The 21st Imphal Book Fair 2012 was cut short owing to the recent indefinite Manipur bandh and that participants representing many book firms from outside just had to pack up their things and leave the state in frustration Source The Sangai Express Newmai News Network

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NPF MLA Samuel Risom stripped off security cover

In a controversial move, NPF legislator Samuel Risom has been stripped off his security cover while on his way to Ukhrul on Friday morning Source Hueiyen News Service Pamreiso Shimray

In a controversial move, NPF legislator Samuel Risom has been stripped off his security cover while on his way to Ukhrul on Friday morning Source Hueiyen News Service Pamreiso Shimray

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Lal Thanhawla highlights various needs of Mizoram at NDC meeting

Attending the 57th National Development Council Meeting yesterday at Vighyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla spoke of the various needs and essentials of the Mizoram state Source The Sangai Express Newmai News Network

Attending the 57th National Development Council Meeting yesterday at Vighyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla spoke of the various needs and essentials of the Mizoram state Source The Sangai Express Newmai News Network

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ZUF appeals for communal harmony

Even as the United Naga Council UNC sponsored 72 hours is underway, the militant outfit Zeliangrong United Front ZUF has warned that any organisation or individual indulging in communal activities will be dealt with firmly by the outfit Source H…

Even as the United Naga Council UNC sponsored 72 hours is underway, the militant outfit Zeliangrong United Front ZUF has warned that any organisation or individual indulging in communal activities will be dealt with firmly by the outfit Source Hueiyen News Service NNN

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Army negates harassment report

With reference to the publication of a report in this daily on December 28, the PIB DW in statement issued today refuted that report and subsequently clarified on the matter Source The Sangai Express

With reference to the publication of a report in this daily on December 28, the PIB DW in statement issued today refuted that report and subsequently clarified on the matter Source The Sangai Express

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Independent body to be set up for ensuring equal opportunity to all Ibobi

The 127th Birth Anniversary of Indian National Congress INC was observed at the Congress Bhawan located along BT Road here today with Chief Minister O Ibobi as Chief Guest Source Hueiyen News Service

The 127th Birth Anniversary of Indian National Congress INC was observed at the Congress Bhawan located along BT Road here today with Chief Minister O Ibobi as Chief Guest Source Hueiyen News Service

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Meghalaya aims at 11 pc growth in 12th Plan

Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma emphasized on the need for more investments in the state from the Centre and the private sector to achieve higher growth rate Source The Sangai Express Newmai News Network

Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma emphasized on the need for more investments in the state from the Centre and the private sector to achieve higher growth rate Source The Sangai Express Newmai News Network

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Day II of UNC sponsored bandh 3 vehicles torched, UNC washes hands off arson

Three more vehicles were set ablaze today on the second day of the ongoing 72 hour general strike called by the United Naga Council Source The Sangai Express

Three more vehicles were set ablaze today on the second day of the ongoing 72 hour general strike called by the United Naga Council Source The Sangai Express

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Dy CM Gaikhangam appeals not to resort to paralysing bandhs

Home Minister Gaikhangam has appealed to the people of the State not to resort to violent and paralysing bandhs and blockades for whatsoever any grievances Source The Sangai Express

Home Minister Gaikhangam has appealed to the people of the State not to resort to violent and paralysing bandhs and blockades for whatsoever any grievances Source The Sangai Express

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