Front Line is seriously concerned following reports of the arbitrary detention and intimidation of a group of human rights defenders opposed to the construction of the Mapithel Dam in Manipur State.These include T. Dewal from the village of Itham, L. Bipin from Tumukhong, L. Bobojit and H. Kendra Luwang from Moirangpurel. All are members of the Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organization (MDACTO), an organisation which defends the rights of communities affected by the dam project.

Further Information

Another group of defenders who are leading members of MDACTO are Th Kumar Mangang (advisor), Ramthar Saiza (Chairman), J.S. Wungreiso (Vice Chairman), Lenpu Lupheng (Secretary), and Sh. Deben (Joint Secretary).

On 8 September 2008, the first group of human rights defenders were taken from their homes and arbitrarily detained by the Manipur Commando police for several hours. During their detention, the men were forced to renounce their membership of MDACTO and were warned not to join the organisation again. They were released later that evening. On 11 September, the second group of five human rights defenders were summoned to present themselves at the local police station for questioning. They did not go as they feared arrest due to their activities of peaceful protest against the dam project. They have since been forced to stay away from their homes as members of the security forces have carried out raids on their residences.

Construction of the Mapithel Dam began in 1980 but to date the project has not been completed. Several communities have already been displaced by the project and may be forced to move once again should the project proceed as planned. These communities and the organisations which represent them, such as MDACTO, demand fair compensation and an active role in the External Review Committee which assesses the various stages of the project and its effect on local communities.

Front Line believes that the aforementioned human rights defenders have been targeted as a result of their legitimate work in defence of human rights, in particular the rights of the communities affected by the construction of the dam. Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity or all of the aforementioned men and their families.