Geneva protest marks 500 days of Manipur violence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 01 2024: To draw attention to the 500 days of continuous violence in Manipur, Meetei diaspora in Europe and activists from India's northeastern region organised a protest in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday.

The demonstration held in front of the iconic Broken Chair monument coincided with the 57th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) .

The protest aims to draw the attention of the UNHRC, the Government of India, and the international community to the persistent unrest and conflict in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023.During the protest, participants called for restoration of normalcy in the state, and urged both national and international bodies to address the humanitarian crisis.

They also raised awareness about the ongoing aggression in the state, which has resulted in displacement of around 60,000 people and deaths of nearly 230 individuals.

Among the various activists who delivered relevant speeches and addressed the media, International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) working president Khuraijam Athouba highlighted several critical issues, including the unregulated influx of Kuki-Chin people from Myanmar, which he claimed has exacerbated tensions in the region.

Criticising the government of India's failure to contain Kuki militants, whose increasing attacks on the Meetei villages in the foothills of Manipur valley have contributed to the violence, he expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of 60,000 central forces and 30,000 state armed forces deployed in the state, stating that despite their presence, the violence continues for over 500 days.

Athouba expressed concern over the living condition of displaced people in relief camps, and sought attention to their suffering and lack of adequate support, apart from raising concern on current hostage situation involving the abduction of two Meetei youths by Kuki militants.

He denounced the abduction as an act of terrorism and criticised alleged government inaction, contending that such incidents confirm the aggressive intentions of armed immigrant Chin-Kuki militants, further intensifying the conflict.

Expressing concern over growing narcotics trade in Manipur and cautioning that the state could become part of the infamous Golden Triangle if the drug trade goes unchecked, he cited spread of illicit drug trafficking and opium cultivation in the region as significant contributors to the instability and violence.

Athouba's remarks were echoed by other participants, including European Manipuri Association former president Sagolsem Biramani, who expressed disappointment over the failure of governments to protect civilians and noted that previous attempts to engage the government of India had yielded little response.

He mentioned that the Manipuri diaspora in London had submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commissioner but saw no significant outcome from the appeal.

The protest concluded with a media briefing, where participants reiterated their demands, calling for immediate action to address the escalating crisis in Manipur.

It also marked the start of a side-event at the 57th UNHRC session, where activists and academics from India's northeastern region continued to highlight the challenges faced by the state.

The ongoing efforts are part of a coordinated campaign led by IPSA and a collective of civil society organisations, who are working closely with Athouba to leverage his presence at the United Nations and push for international intervention in the Manipur crisis.

Protesters emphasised the urgency of implementing policies to stop drug trafficking, regulate immigration, and maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur.

They also criticised the use of ethnicity as a political weapon, while urging the government of India to take decisive steps toward peace and security in the region.

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