IMPHAL, Sept 23 - High Court of Manipur on Wednesday issued a notice to the Assam Rifles and Manipur Government over the prolonged occupation of a Primary Health Sub-Centre (PHSC) at Thonglang Akutpa in Senapati district by Assam Rifles personnel since 1994, according to Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) Manipur sources.
A PIL in this connection was filed by one Benna of Thonglang Atongba in Senapati district to restore the service of the PHSC after removal of the Assam Rifles troops.
After hearing the submission of Petitioner�s counsel, a division bench of Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad and Justice Songkhupchung Serto issued a notice returnable within three weeks.
The Court took serious cognisance of the matter and expressed shock that for the last 22 years, the villagers have been deprived of public health delivery, the sources said.
According to the counsel, the Assam Rifles troops started occupying the premises of the PHSC, which caters to a population of about 8,400 belonging to 13 Senapati villages, since 1994.
At the same time, the State Government did not provide alternative arrangement for the same. Consequently, villagers are compelled to visit Kangpokpi Community Health Centre and District Hospital, Senapati at their own cost by hiring private vehicles.
