PIB Summary- 4th December, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Peace Agreement Between Government of India, Government of Manipur, and UNLF

Context
Recently, The Government of India and Government of Manipur signed a Peace Agreement with United National Liberation Front (UNLF) , which is oldest valley-based insurgent group of Manipur.

United National Liberation Front (UNLF): Overview

• Formation: Established in 1964, UNLF is the oldest valley-based insurgent group in Manipur. It operates separately from insurgent groups in the Naga-dominated and Kuki-Zomi dominated hills of the state.
• Banned Organization: UNLF is categorized as one of the seven “Meitei Extremist Organizations” banned by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.
• Operational Scope: UNLF operates within and outside Indian territory, with initial training believed to have been received from NSCN (IM), the largest insurgent group among the Naga factions.
• Geographic Reach: The group operates in the valley areas of Manipur and some villages in the Kuki-Zomi hill districts. It primarily operates from camps and training bases in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Rakhine State, often with support from the Myanmar military.

Purpose of the Peace Agreement:

• Peaceful Transition: The agreement is expected to usher in an era of peace, particularly in Manipur and the Northeast region.
• Mainstream Integration: It represents the first instance where a Manipuri armed group from the valley has opted to renounce violence and return to mainstream society. UNLF commits to respecting the Constitution of India and abiding by the country’s laws.
• Ending Hostilities: The agreement will halt hostilities between UNLF and security forces, putting an end to conflicts that have claimed lives on both sides over more than half a century.
• Addressing Community Concerns: It provides an opportunity to address long-standing concerns of the community affected by the conflict.
• Encouraging Participation: UNLF’s return to mainstream activities is expected to inspire other valley-based armed groups to engage in the peace process.
• Peace Monitoring Committee: A Peace Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be established to oversee the enforcement of agreed-upon ground rules, ensuring the sustainability of peace efforts.

National Human Rights Commission

Context
The Central Government recently appointed seven people, including a former Delhi police commissioner, as ‘special monitors’ of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Establishment and Legal Basis:

• NHRC is a statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Watchdog of Human Rights:

• NHRC serves as the watchdog of human rights in India, overseeing the protection and promotion of human rights across the country.

Conformity with Paris Principles:

• NHRC’s establishment aligns with the Paris Principles (1991), which were adopted at the first international workshop on national institutions for the protection of human rights.

Objectives:
NHRC has several key objectives, including:

• Strengthening institutional arrangements for addressing human rights issues comprehensively and effectively.
• Investigating allegations of human rights violations independently of the government, thus emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding human rights.

Composition:

• NHRC consists of a chairperson and eight other members.
• The chairperson of NHRC is a retired Chief Justice of India.
• Among the eight members, four are full-time members, while the other four are deemed members.
• Full-time members include a retired Judge of the Supreme Court, a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, and two members selected for their experience and knowledge of human rights.
• Deemed members are the chairpersons of the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and the National Commission for Women.

Appointment Process:
The chairperson and members are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a six-member committee. This committee comprises:

• Prime Minister (as the head)
• Speaker of the Lok Sabha
• Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
• Leaders of the Opposition in both the Houses of Parliament
• Union Home Minister

Functions and Powers of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• Complaint Investigation: NHRC can inquire into complaints of human rights violations, either on its own initiative or through petitions filed by victims or their representatives. These complaints may involve violations by public servants or negligence in preventing such violations.
• Intervention in Court Proceedings: The Commission has the authority to intervene in any legal proceedings related to human rights violations pending before a court, subject to the approval of the respective court.
• Visitations and Recommendations: NHRC can conduct visits to correctional facilities and institutions under state government control where individuals are detained or housed for purposes of treatment, reformation, or protection. During these visits, it examines the living conditions of inmates and offers recommendations for improvement.
• Human Rights Education: NHRC plays a role in spreading human rights literacy among various segments of society, promoting awareness and understanding of human rights principles.
• International Treaties and Instruments: The Commission is responsible for studying international treaties and other instruments related to human rights and making recommendations for their effective implementation in India.

Powers:

• Civil Court Powers: While investigating complaints, NHRC possesses the same powers as a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. This includes the authority to summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them under oath.
• Compensation: NHRC can grant compensation to victims of police brutality or other forms of human rights violations, providing redress for the harm suffered.
• Legal Action: When necessary, NHRC has the authority to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court to enforce human rights protections and safeguard the rights of individuals or groups.
• Suo Motu Cognizance: NHRC can take “suo motu” cognizance of human rights violations, meaning it can initiate investigations and proceedings on its own accord, even without a formal complaint being filed.