RPF labels Indian military forces as extremists
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 30 2021: The proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has alleged that the Indian military forces are extremists.

A press communique issued by Roben Khuman, deputy secretary, publicity of RPF, stated that the Assam Rifles has been carrying out combing operations in the districts which share borders with Myanmar since November 20 as a security measure following the recent ambush at Churachandpur.

The security measures include search operations in already identified locations, restriction on cross border movement, scrutinizing the people and their activities among others, it added.

Though India preaches 'true multilateralism" , the conduct of the Assam Rifles is against the Right to Participate in the Cultural Activities of the Community which is recognised by the Articles 22 and 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Right to Livelihood under Article 25 (1), Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Right to Take Part in Cultural Life guaranteed by Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the RPF alleged.

Saying that hunting, movement, gathering foods and other items from forest and activities that are necessary for sustenance of life are all part and parcel of Right to Life, the statement claimed that the Assam Rifles' diktat to the local people not only violates the Articles 4 & 7 of the ICCPR but is also inimical to the interest of people, specially those living in border areas.

Such military codes which should operate only in conflict areas are being employed in Manipur, the RPF claimed and asserted that such a conduct only confirmed that India is a country run by the military and not a democratic Nation, contrary to what it claims to be.

Continuing that the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) should be applied in the armed and political conflict between India and Manipur, the outfit maintained that both the high contracting parties (India and Manipur) should never harm the common people.

However, India is constantly violating the IHL 'by killing, harassing and defiling several innocent people,' it claimed and labelled both India and its military forces as extremists.

"Our freedom struggle is for the greater good of Manipur and we will not remain silent when the Indian military forces violate the right to life in hill districts" the statement said and urged the people of Manipur to condemn the unethical deed of the Indian military forces.

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