'Alarming And Disturbing': NHRC Issues Notice To Manipur Govt Over 13 Deaths In Gunfight

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Manipur government and the state's police chief over a gunfight in Tengnoupal district that resulted in at least 13 deaths. The commission, in a statement, expressed concern over the "lapse" on the part of law enforcement agencies and the forces responsible for maintaining peace and order in the state, news agency PTI reported.

The NHRC said the loss of 13 lives in Leithao village, which had been calm since violence erupted in the state of Manipur in May this year, is "alarming and disturbing". Acting suo motu on a media report that "at least 13 people were killed in a gunfight in Leithao village near Saibol in the Tengnoupal district, Manipur, on December 4”, the commission emphasised that if the contents of the report are true, it would constitute a serious violation of human rights and a matter of great concern, reported PTI.

Noting that the state of Manipur has faced significant challenges, the NHRC called for a detailed report from the state's chief secretary and director general of police within two weeks. This report should include information on the status of the FIR registered by the police and the measures taken by the state government to prevent such incidents of violence in the future.

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The NHRC has been actively addressing human rights concerns in Manipur since May 2023, with several complaints filed by individuals, NGOs, and activists. The matters are currently under consideration by the full bench of the commission, and discussions took place during a camp sitting at Guwahati, Assam, on November 17, where senior officers from the government of Manipur and representatives of complainants and civil society were present.

The incident in Leithao village, with approximately 120 residents, reportedly saw the highest single-day loss of lives in the violence that unfolded in Manipur this year.