In a recent development, the complaint case regarding the vandalisation of numerous vehicles parked on the National Highway by RAF personnel has been closed by the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Monday.
The case was filed by one Onil Kshetrimayum before the MHRC alleging that RAF personnel, working under the command of the 108 Battalion, had vandalised the vehicles on the night of 12 and 13 June.
According to the complainant, such incidents of vehicle vandalisation were not isolated incidents. In the past, Manipur Police personnel had also been reported breaking the windows of vehicles parked along Paona Bazar road. The complainant argued that the actions of the RAF personnel constituted a violation of human rights, as they had damaged the properties of common people.
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Upon receiving the complaint, a full bench of MHRC comprising its chairperson UB Saha and member KK Singh issued notices to the respondents, including the Commandant of the 106 Battalion RAF, the SP Imphal West, and the director of Transport.
Additionally, the SP of the Traffic Control Police was added as a respondent in the case.
Status reports were submitted by the respondents, providing their actions and measures taken to address the allegations.
The SP of the Traffic Control Police stated that they had issued fines for vehicles parked on the National Highway and used a mobile team with a loudspeaker to clear the area. They also reported submitting an application to the SP of Imphal West District to take action against illegal tax collectors and requesting the removal of parking along the National Highway.
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The director of Transport highlighted the increasing vehicle population in the state and the lack of multi-level parking systems in the city areas as the main reasons for traffic congestion.
The director's report also mentioned that the department is taking steps to introduce Compulsory Garage Certificates before purchasing new vehicles and is exploring the construction of multi-level parking systems. Routine checks against unauthorised parking are being conducted, and violators are being penalized as per the Motor Vehicles Act/Rules, it added.
The OC of Imphal Police Station submitted a status report stating that the RAF personnel involved in the incident had repaired the damaged vehicles and household portions, reaching an agreement with the victims and following the submission of the status reports, the complainant (vehicles owners) withdrew the complaint.
The involved RAF personnel were suspended and transferred to their Battalion Headquarters in Jamshedpur to face a departmental inquiry, according to the report submitted by the Commandant of the 106 Battalion RAF.
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Considering the actions taken by the respondents and the resolution achieved between the RAF personnel and the vehicle owners, the full bench of MHRC decided to close the case.
Although the complainant had requested a direction for the police to register a Suo-Motu FIR regarding the vandalisation, the MHRC noted that the FIR had already been filed by the vehicle owners, and the police authorities had submitted a status report on the investigation and the RAF had also committed to repairing the vandalised vehicles.
The Commission expressed hope that the authorities would address the issue of community parking for vehicle owners who lack their own parking spaces, taking into account the significant traffic congestion in Imphal City.
With the complaint case closed, it remains to be seen how the authorities will proceed with area-wise community parking decisions to alleviate the traffic congestion in the city.
