Human right activist briefs UN on Manipur crisis
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 01 2024:
A succinct account of the Manipur crisis has been presented at the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council which is being held at Geneva, Switzerland.
Presenting a brief account of the crisis, human right and environmental activist Jodha Heikrujam said since May 3, 2023, Manipur, set ablaze, has been enduring a brutal ethnic cleansing of indigenous peoples by armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Myanmar, the second largest opium producer in the world is a part of the Golden Triangle.
Manipur, situated on the Myanmar border, is emerging as a major hub for opium production, owing to the influx of illegal immigrants who surreptitiously settled near the Myanmar border of Manipur, masquerading under false national identities, who underhandedly cultivated opium poppy, Jodha said.
This underhand activity not only exacerbates the climate change crisis but also engulfs the youth in the perilous world of drug addiction, jeopardizing the prospects of future generations, he pointed out.
Profits from the opium trade fund the acquisition of sophisticated weaponry, fuelling the ongoing crisis.
Despite intelligence reports revealing arms acquisition from neighbouring countries to escalate turmoil and facilitate the agenda of separate Nation with aspirations of establishing autonomous drug havens within Manipur, the Government of India has been largely ignoring Manipur's plight, he told the UNHRC.
The socio-economic fabric of the State lies in tatters.
Over 220 were killed and over 51,000 have been languishing in relief camps after their homes were razed by the militant narco-terrorists and this epitomizes the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis besieging Manipur, he said.
Many are traumatized by their descent into poverty, with some contemplating tragic acts due to the absence of hope.
He also lamented that Manipur's crisis remains largely overlooked and the people feel abandoned and isolated in their struggle for peace.
Addressing the UNHRC Vice President directly, Jodha Heikrujam implored for assistance in addressing Manipur's human rights crisis and gamering support from the international community for collective action and efforts to address the root causes of the strife towards lasting peace.