Shillong, January 31: Outgoing Chairperson of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Justice T. Vaiphei (Retd), on Thursday suggested that Meghalaya could follow the example of Assam by seeking the views of the Human Rights Commission before granting promotions to police officers.
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| Members and staff of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission pose for a group photograph during the farewell programme held in honour of outgoing chairperson Justice (Retd) T. Vaiphei. |
Speaking at his farewell programme, Justice Vaiphei said Assam already follows the practice of consulting the Human Rights Commission in matters related to police promotions, adding that adopting a similar system in Meghalaya could strengthen accountability and rights-based policing.
He also advocated granting financial powers to the MHRC to prevent delays in accessing funds required for carrying out essential functions and inquiries. According to him, financial autonomy would help the commission function more efficiently and independently.
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Justice Vaiphei, who headed the commission for nearly six years, said the MHRC disposed of 90 cases during his tenure, while around 170 cases remain pending. As a one-man judicial inquiry commission, he also probed sensitive cases including the killing of former Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council general secretary Cherishstarfield Thangkiew and the Mukroh firing incident.
During the farewell function, MHRC members B. Giri, H. Nongpluh, and former member PJP Hanaman acknowledged Justice Vaiphei’s contributions and reflected on their association with him.
The programme concluded with farewell speeches and a song presented by the commission’s staff, marking the end of Justice Vaiphei’s tenure as chairperson.
