Mizoram gets its first Human Rights Commission
Aizawl, July 29
Mizoram on Wednesday marked a significant milestone in strengthening its human rights protection framework by constituting its first State Human Rights Commission, as Governor Vijay Kumar Singh administered the oath of office to the Commission's Chairperson and two Members.
Former Gauhati High Court Judge Justice Marli Vankung was sworn in as the Chairperson of the Commission, while retired Mizoram Judicial Service officer Vanlalenmawia and retired IAS officer K. Lal Nghinglova took the oath as Members of the newly constituted body.
The swearing-in ceremony was held in the presence of senior constitutional authorities, ministers and other dignitaries. At the beginning of the ceremony, Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena read out the notification issued by the Governor appointing the Chairperson and Members of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission.
The Governor thereafter administered the oath of office to Justice Marli Vankung, Vanlalenmawia and K. Lal Nghinglova.
Justice Marli Vankung was born on March 4, 1964. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in English, an LL.B. degree and an M.Phil. in International Legal Studies.
She joined the Mizoram Judicial Service in 1989 and served in several important judicial and administrative positions under the Government of Mizoram before being elevated as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 13, 2021.
Justice Marli Vankung was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Gauhati High Court on August 1, 2023 and retired on March 3, 2026, upon attaining the age of superannuation. She presently resides with her family at Republic Veng in Aizawl.
An official statement said that the constitution of the State Human Rights Commission is expected to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection and promotion of human rights in Mizoram by providing an independent statutory body to inquire into complaints of human rights violations, review safeguards and promote greater awareness of human rights across the state.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama, Public Works Department Minister Vanlalhlana, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Lalthansanga, Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte, Power and Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana, Information, Public Relations, Printing and Stationery Minister B. Lalchhanzova, besides senior government officials and other distinguished guests.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally! For years, people in small states like Mizoram had to go to the National Human Rights Commission in Delhi for complaints. This will make justice more accessible. But I hope the state government gives them enough budget and independence – otherwise it becomes just another paper tiger. Good move by the governor and CM Lalduhoma!
Honestly, a bit conflicted. While having a state human rights commission is good, many such bodies in other states are criticised for being slow and ineffective. The real test will be how quickly they act on complaints of police brutality or custodial deaths. That said, Justice Vankung’s background gives me some hope – she’s been a judge for long and knows how the system works. Let’s wait and watch.
As someone from outside India, it’s interesting to see state-level human rights commissions being set up even in smaller states. Mizoram is a peaceful state generally, but having an independent body can handle issues like land rights, environmental disputes, and minority protections more effectively. Hope this serves as a model for other northeastern states.
Good step for sure, but I have one concern – the Chairperson is a former Gauhati High Court judge. That’s fine, but we need more representation from civil society and activists who understand ground realities. Three retired officials might not be enough. Still, better than nothing. Let’s see if they even have a website or helpline numbers for filing complaints. 😒
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