Condemnation of Koutruk killing of women
- September 03rd, 2024 : Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur -

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The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur express our condemnation and concern with the increased violence on indigenous women in Manipur, including arbitrary killings of indigenous women amidst the ongoing conflict situation in Manipur.

CRA condemns the gruesome killing of a women, Ms. Ngangbam Surbala at Koutruk Village, Imphal West District from Phayeng Umang Leikai Village besides injuring her daughter in an attack by Kuki militants using drone bombing and snipers at Koutruk Village, Imphal West District on 1st September 2024. Another women was injured in a bomb attack in her home at Senjam Chirang Village in Imphal West District on 2 September 2024.

It is unfortunate that the attack on civilians and killing and injuring of women using drone bombing and sophisticated guns was carried out despite the heavy deployment Indian security forces in Koutruk village, Kadangband and other peripheral areas in Imphal West District. It is a serious concern that the Government of India and Manipur has been unable to protect the fundamental rights, especially the right to life of indigenous peoples of Manipur.

The rising cases of violence against women perpetrated by communities in conflict and by the Indian security forces deployed in Manipur under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, is despite the extensive militarization in Manipur and additional deployment of Indian security forces in Manipur to control the violence in the aftermath of the ethnic conflict from 3 May 2023.

The Government of India should institute prompt and impartial investigation into killing of indigenous women at Koutruk village and injuring several others and prosecute all those involved in perpetuating the violence against women in Manipur, including its security forces, who have duty bearer role to protect women and all people in Manipur. Repeal all emergency laws, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 that facilitates violence against women in Manipur. The Government of India should take urgent steps to end the ongoing violence and restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.

The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur urge upon the Government of India and Government of Manipur to take urgent steps to uphold the right to life and fundamental rights, to protect indigenous women from all forms of violence and discrimination as per the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women and UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.

(L. Sanaton)
President
Centre For Research And Advocacy, Manipur
Paona Bazar, Imphal Manipur 795001
Web: www.cramanipur.wordpress.com