By Michael E Sanchez
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

Manipur, India–  Another allegation of police violence has arisen after the family members of an NGO activist accused the police of third violent treatment.

Jiten Yumnam, an activist of the All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) and a member of the Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network (APIYN) were arrested by the Manipur Police at the Imphal Airport on Monday.  Yumnam was on his way to a United Nations meeting on climate change being held in Bangkok when state police charged him with supporting and aiding insurgency in the northeastern region.  Kiran Mala, his wife said “We don’t even know why he has been arrested.”

NGO members and family member of Yumnam allege that the police inflicted third degree torture on Yumnam by subjecting him to electric shocks to his private parts, which left him impaired.  These allegations of torture have been denied by the police. Superintendent of police of West Imphal L. Keilun has denied the allegation, stating “There is no evidence of such an attack.  If there is proof then strict action will be taken.  But I don’t think that the police can do such things.”

This however is not an isolated event where the police have overstepped their boundaries, in July police shot and killed a young man, Chungkham Sanjit and a pregnant passer-by Rubina Devi.  Police claimed that Sanjit was killed in a genuine encounter and Devi was killed by Sanjit.  Photos of the encounter published by a Dehli based magazine show that Sanjit was dragged inside a pharmacy and killed in cold blood.  Dr. Sukendu Debbarma, Convener in a press note stated that the Manipur government, has tried to subdue voices of protest against the killing of Sanjit instead of acting against its Commandos quickly and decisively.

The North East People’s Initiatives has condemned the arrest of Yumnam, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.  They have also demanded an “immediate disbanding” of the Manipur Police Commandos, stating they “have been given impunity in all crimes they have committed against the people of Manipur.” 

For information, please see:

Times Now- Manipur protests over ‘fake encounter’– 4 August 2009

The Morung Express- Demand for unconditional release of Jiten Yumnam– 19 September 2009

Asian New International- Another Allegation of police torture surfaces in Manipur-20 September 2009

Times Now- Another police brutality in Imphal– 20 Septmeber 2009