Imphal : 1,528 individuals were unlawfully killed by police and security forces between 1979 and 2012, according to cases involving allegations of extrajudicial killings in Manipur, and the subsequent legal battles for accountability.

The Extra Judicial Execution Victims’ Families Association (EEVFAM) has been fighting legal battles against both the central and state governments.  The case is closely linked to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants special powers and immunity to security forces in certain regions, including Manipur.

The Supreme Court’s handling of the EEVFAM case has been seen as a crucial step toward addressing the issue of impunity related to AFSPA.  Speaking to the media, EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam said that the organization was formed by widows and mothers whose husbands and sons were killed by security forces in fake encounters.

In its struggle to deliver justice to all victims, EEVFAM approached the Supreme Court in 2012 and submitted a list of victims of extrajudicial killings perpetrated by security forces from May 1979 to May 2012.

Under directives from the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently handling 39 cases. However, cases involving central security forces are stalled due to the lack of prosecution sanctions, hindering justice for the victims.

Cases involving the state police and forces are ongoing in court, but there is growing concern that justice may be denied due to various challenges.Renu Takhellambam presided over the 16th foundation day of EEVFAM, observed on Friday in Imphal, under the theme “Respect the Rights of the Victims.”

As part of the observance, photos of all 1,528 individuals unlawfully killed by law enforcers were displayed, and family members, along with others, paid floral tributes to the deceased.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and dignity of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing law and order situation in parts of the state, the Manipur Government has taken significant steps to address delays in the issuance of vital documents such as birth certificates, domicile, caste, and income certificates.

Acknowledging grievances raised by displaced families, the Home Department noted that several IDPs have experienced inordinate delays and, in some cases, outright rejections of their applications—often due to unresponsive or uncooperative behaviour of officials at issuing offices.

To tackle this pressing issue, the Government has designated dedicated Nodal Officers in each of the affected districts. These officers will facilitate, oversee, and streamline the documentation process and will act as official points of contact for addressing IDP-related grievances.

In Imphal West, O. Poireingamba Khumancha (SDC/Branch Officer) has been appointed, while Laishangbam Subhalakshmi Devi and Aribam Devkishor Sharma will jointly oversee the process in Imphal East. R.K. Sunil Singh will handle matters in Bishnupur, and S. Surchandra Singh in Thoubal.

In other districts, Matouleibi Huirem (Kakching), Shonjakhup Haokip (Churachandpur), Kaikhoseh Kipgen (Kangpokpi), Arif Sajad BS (Tengnoupal), Atom Bijendro Singh and Moirangthem Devananda Singh (Jiribam), and Woryung Kaping (Ukhrul) have been tasked with the responsibility.

For centralized coordination, Shri A. Heera Singh, Deputy Secretary (Home), has been appointed as the State-level Nodal Officer. He can be contacted at 9862715317 or via email at angom.heera@gmail.com.

The Government has urged all concerned officials to treat IDP documentation with compassion and urgency. It has called on displaced individuals to reach out directly to the designated nodal officers to ensure they receive the services they need without delay.

In its statement, the Government reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring that every displaced citizen is supported with the necessary documentation and assistance, in a manner that upholds their dignity during these challenging times.

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