Newmai News Network Imphal | August 30 The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has been revived after a gap of 8 years. With the revival of the MHRC, senior advocate and noted personality of Manipur, Khaidem Mani has been appointed as Acting Chairperson of the commission. Upon his appointment, Khaidem Mani took charge his post from today. It can be noted here that, few days ago in a programme in Imphal Khaidem Mani said that Manipur Human Rights Commission would endeavour to examine the "controversial emergency laws" such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 for appropriate recommendations, in addition to taking steps to promote the rights of human rights defenders and to address the "aggravating multifaceted "human rights violations in Manipur. Meanwhile, Khaidem Mani, while speaking to media persons in his office today, said, “The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 is an Act for providing for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission in states and Human Rights Courts for better protection of human rights and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto". According to him, after the enactment of the protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, Manipur Government had established the Manipur Human Rights Commission in the year 1998 and the first commission had functioned till 2003”. The senior advocate also said that the second MHRC had functioned from May, 2005 till May 2010. Setting to repeal Armed Force Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 as his top priority, Khaidem Mani said that, even though the people have been demanding to repeal AFSPA, 1958, the Act is still being implemented in the State. He said that the MHRC will take necessary steps to help repeal the AFSPA Act and also to abolish Disturbed Area Status after holding discussions with the State Government and other stake holders. The Acting Chairperson of the MHRC then stated that, recommendation to establish laws against economic blockade, bandh and strikes to the State Government is his second priority. It can be mentioned here that, on August 23, Dr Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur, appointed Khaidem Mani, to be a member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission. In an another notification issued on August 25, 2018 the Governor of Manipur authorized Khaidem Mani to "act" as the chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission until a new chairperson is appointed. The Manipur Human Rights Commission has the powers to investigate and inquire into complaints filed by the victims or on behalf of the victims and also take suo-motto cognizance or a direction or order of any court of the human rights violations. The commission also by the power to visit jails to assess treatment of detainees, to review and recommend legal, constitutional and policy action and to conduct other awareness raising activities towards the promotion of human rights.
