Appeal for investigation on Spillage of Oil
- 11 January 2024 : Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights -

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Leimakhong oil spill in some minor streams in Leimakhong area, Imphal West on 11th January 2024

Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) is deeply concern over targeting the source of water and water bodies during the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

Since the beginning of the violence in Manipur the water sources has been a target which was witnessed in Bishnupur District of Manipur wherein the water pipelines from Lophal Village was destroyed by the Kuki Militants under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) at S. Phainom Village which used to be supplied at Thamnapokpi Village, Naransena, Phubala etc.

We are shocked to witness the intentional contamination of Makha Loukhong due to the spillage of oil which is said to be originated from Leimakhong and passes through the villages of Chingmang, Kanto Sabal, Kanto, Khurkhul etc of Imphal West District of Manipur.

Earlier since the beginning of the ongoing violence the water supply pipeline was destroyed by the Kuki Militants and the water supply was stopped for the last 8 months and no efforts from the side of the Army and State Government to restore the same beside several appeal was made from the side of the villagers.

Unfortunately, the only water stream i.e. Makha Loukhong was polluted with the oil which is used for daily needs ,gardening, washing clothes, washing utensils, toilet, poultry, animal husbandry etc. This is the clear violation of various International law & protocol such as Geneva Convention.

This pollution of water bodies is a threat to human settlement and need a stringent action by the competent authority of the Government and immediate intervention by the Water Resource Department, Government of Manipur.

Leimakhong oil spill in some minor streams in Leimakhong area, Imphal West on 11th January 2024

The act of blocking water and polluting water bodies and using it as a weapon of conflict needs a serious attention from the side of the Ministry of Home Affairs and to withdraw the SoO pact with the Kuki Militants immediately. At the same time a strong investigation is in need on how the oil spilled into the stream and investigation is in need .

We appeal the Water Resource Department to find an alternative means of water sources for the people and restore the water crisis in the area at the earliest.

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(T Shadishkanta)
Youth’s Forum For Protection Of Human Rights
Palace Compound West, Imphal East – 795001