SHILLONG, Dec 10 - The Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) today condemned the �political and human rights violation� in Garo Hills and urged the State Government to take urgent steps to stop such violations.
�We strongly condemn the political violence and human rights violations committed in Garo Hills region as well as the ongoing impunity enjoyed by perpetrators,� Dino G Dympep, MPHRC Chairman said today on the occasion of Human Rights Day.
He said the present situation in the State needs the urgent intervention of the Government to address these violations as a matter of critical priority, including conducting impartial and independent investigations with a view to bringing those responsible to justice.
�While the struggle for the promotion and protection of human rights has been a global concerned, unfortunately the human rights situation in Meghalaya still remains grim,� Dympep added.
He drew the attention of the Government to �arbitrary detention including death in police custody, kidnapping and killing with impunity by both the security apparatus and the insurgent groups.�
The MPHRC Chairman said: �The State has failed to protect women and children from abuse and sexual assaults including rising incidence of rape, despite severe laws.�
The MPHRC also urged the State and Central Government to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Human Rights Day is observed on this day every year since 1950 to mark the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly�s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This year�s theme for Human Rights Day is: �Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.�
