Asian Centre for Human Rights

Subject: Complaint against the torture of 34-year old civilian, identified as Mr Paonam Prem of Jiribam area of Manipur by the army posted in the area.

Dear Justice Anand,

On this international day for solidarity with the victims of torture, I am writing to seek immediate intervention of the National Human Rights Commission against the torture of 34-year old civilian, identified as Mr Paonam Prem of Jiribam area of Manipur by the army posted in the area.

Mr Paonam Prem was picked up from his residence in the afternoon of 18 June 2003 by the army from the area and detained in Army custody for three days without any warrant. During his detention, he was severely beaten and tortured using third degree methods.

The army finally abandoned Mr Prem on 21 June 2003 near the airport area at Silchar, Assam after giving him Rs.50.

I shall be grateful if the NHRC could kindly intervene and issue the following directions:

1. Direct the Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct a full inquiry into the illegal detention and torture of Mr Paonam Prem and submit the report to the NHRC;

2. Direct the Ministry of Home Affairs to take exemplary disciplinary action against the guilty Army personnel and

3. Direct the Ministry of Home Affairs to pay compensation of Rs 50,000 to Mr Paonam Prem and the same is recovered from the concerned army personnel.

4. Take any other measures that the NHRC deems fit.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely

Suhas Chakma
Director