GMF condemns Leithao Massacre
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 06 2023: The Global Manipur Federation (GMF) has vehemently condemned the brutal killing of 13 Meitei individuals and expressed profound condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident that occurred on December 4, 2023, at Leithao village, Tengnoupal district near Myanmar border.

The victims, identified as Meitei youths, some still in their teens, fell victim to a massacre allegedly perpetrated by Chin-Kuki militants, said a press release issued by GMF.

Many of them were Internally Displaced People (IDPs) residing in relief camps, and in the absence of motive or evidence as to why their lifeless bodies were recovered near Leithao village, this gruesome incident can be classified as crimes against humanity, akin to the Supreme Court of India's description of "keeping the Pot Boiling in Manipur", it said.

Notably, the victims were murdered after being captured and brutally tortured which raises alarming concerns of potential genocide and crimes against humanity under UN Article 3 of the Geneva Convention, it conveyed.

The GMF urged the Government of Manipur to officially recognize these individuals as martyrs, and called upon the authority to employ all necessary legal measures to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this mass killing.

The ongoing turmoil in Manipur, stemming from the May 3 violence, has disrupted the lives of these youths who would otherwise be leading peaceful lives with their families, it said.

The GMF then appealed to the State Government and New Delhi to undertake confidence building measures towards ending the crisis and bringing durable peace at the earliest.

"The Governments are the custodian of life and security of the people of Manipur.

Hence, GMF earnestly urges the Governments to commit to protecting the public and their interests, in particular the desperate youths, and ensure that such incidents do not repeat in the future", it added.

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