Kshetri Tama, Licypriya air Manipur crisis at C0P28
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 08 2023: Social worker Kshetri Tama, who is attending the COP 28 Summit in Dubai, staged demonstration in front of the VIP gate of the summit's venue and drew the attention of the world towards the current humanitarian crisis and human rights violation in Manipur.

She informed CSO leaders and VIPs attending the conference about the terror activities of Kuki narco-terrorists against the indigenous Meetei community in Manipur.

Tama said that the global leaders are talking about climate justice in the summit, whereas in Manipur, narco-terrorists are posing a major threat to the environment by exploiting reserved and protected forest areas for illegal poppy plantation.

She informed them about the negative impact of large-scale deforestation for poppy plantation not only to the society but also to the soil, ecosystem and climatic condition as well.

As the government took up stern action against such illegal practices of drug cartels including mass deforestation, the well-armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists are waging a war against the indigenous people of Manipur, she said, while drawing attention of the global leaders.

The critical state of Manipur's environment was also brought to light by 12-year-old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

The international event from November 30 to December 12, is being participated by 187 world leaders and over 97,000 individuals.

Licypriya, who has garnered recognition for her activism, highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on Manipur's ecosystems and people.

She spoke of the frequent floods, droughts, landslides, and the increasing scarcity of drinking water due to deforestation in the hills.

"Most of the crops are washed away by severe flash floods every year", she stated, "while 75 percent of the rivers and lakes are now dry and dead.

The lush green hills/mountains are becoming a desert now.

The state has lost 249 square kilometres of forest cover (1.48 percent) in ISFR 2021" .

In addition to representing Manipur, Licypriya also served as a special envoy for East Timor, an island nation facing similar environmental challenges.

During the Faith Session of COP28, she emphasised the innocence of the Meetei community amidst the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

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