Lawlessness Prevails Over Court Order in CCpur

Lamka, 7 Jan 2014 – The suffering of refugees from Tuinuphai village in Churachandpur, Manipur, continues as district authorities fail once again to follow court orders.

Despite clear instructions from the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) and a subsequent ruling from the Sessions Court on an appeal by Mr Letsei, the district administration has shown no intention of enforcing the law. This failure reminds people of the poor law and order situation during past ethnic violence in the district.

Ignoring the risks, the district authorities sent the refugees -- mostly women and children -- back to their village this morning. They were accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Addl. DC) and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), but without proper security.

When they arrived, they were met by a large group of angry women armed with firewood and other weapons. This happened right in front of the district officials, who had no choice but to take the refugees back to their shelter at Zogal Hall, Lamka.

It is shocking that the district administration has failed for the third time to protect and resettle these helpless refugees. Such negligence raises serious concerns for both the central and state governments, especially given their claims of improved law and order.

There is growing fear that violence could escalate further if officials continue to ignore their responsibilities, especially when acting against a court order. If the administration can overlook or refuse to follow court rulings in favour of the more powerful, how can the rights of the weaker sections of society be protected?

 

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