Govt yet to give prosecution sanction : EEVFAM

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 11 : The Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM), which has been fighting for justice for people killed in fake encounters, observed its 17th foundation day at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound here today.
A panel discussion on whether the Government of India’s declaration to end insurgency by 2029 implies a fresh round of fake encounters was the main highlight of the programme.  
Presentation of a comprehensive report on the EEVFAM’s fight for justice  for fake encounter victims during the last 17 years and offering floral tributes to the victims of fake encounters were the other features of the foundation day observation.
Speaking to media persons, EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam said that the association has been fighting for justice the last 17 years but justice has not yet been delivered to the victims of fake encounters.
Nonetheless, EEVFAM is determined to carry on the fight until justice is done.
It has been almost 15 years since a case was filed at Court against the fake encounter cases in 2013.  
Even though the Supreme Court directed the CBI to investigate several fake encounter cases, neither any security personnel has been convicted nor justice delivered, Renu said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ refusal to give prosecution sanction against Central forces involved in fake encounter cases is a major hurdle and setback in the fight for justice. As for State forces, cases are going on against more than 100 personnel, Renu Takhellambam said.
Asking how many more years the victims should wait for justice, the EEVFAM president expressed strong resentment against the Government.    
She said that they have been fighting at their best level at the Court but there has been little or no help from the legislature.
In the run up to the 2017 State Assembly elections, BJP promised that the AFSPA would be repealed and all possible help would be extended toward conviction of all accused and disposal of fake encounter cases, she said.
“But we no longer believe in their words nor do we expect any help from them”, Renu said.
The successive Governments so far did nothing to deliver justice to the victims of fake encounters, she said.
She then appealed to all political parties to stop using AFSPA as an electioneering plank in the coming elections.