CSCHR presents detailed alternate report to UNHRC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 04 2024: Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR Manipur and the UN) presented an alternate report ahead of the United Nations Human Rights Committee's review of India's Fourth Periodic Report under Article 40 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The said review, scheduled for the 141st session from July 1 to 23, will bring international attention to the severe and ongoing human rights violations in Manipur, a state in north-eastern India bordering Myanmar.

According to the alternate report, Manipur's turmoil traces back to the 1950s, when the region saw the onset of a non-interna-tional armed conflict involving multiple ethnic groups-primarily the Meetei, Naga, and Zo-Kuki.

These groups have long sought recognition and autonomy, driven by historical grievances stemming from the forced annexation of Manipur by India in 1949, as well as ongoing socio-economic marginalisation.

Despite recognition by the international community of the severity of this conflict, the Indian government has largely denied its scope, failing to implement effective legal protections and infringing on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Manipuri people.

While stating that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958 has been in effect in Manipur since 1980, the report contended that the act grants extraordinary powers to Indian security forces, including the authority to shoot to kill on mere suspicion, arrest without warrant, widespread militarisation of civilian areas, disruption caused to daily life and economic activities as security forces occupy public spaces, educational institutions, and even agricultural lands.

The report detailed numerous human rights abuses perpetrated under the immunity granted by AFSPA, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.

Despite the Supreme Court of India's 2016 directive to investigate cases of extrajudicial executions, progress has been woefully inadequate.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), tasked with investigating these cases, has been hampered by systemic delays and a lack of transparency, leaving families of victims in a state of despair and uncertainty, mentioned that report.

It also presented harrowing accounts of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, along with citing data from the Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM), and Human Rights Alert (HRA), Between 1979 and 2012, there were 1,528 documented cases of extra-judicial executions in Manipur.

Despite the Supreme Court's orders, very few cases have seen any meaningful progress towards justice as families of the victims continue to seek justice in the face of systemic inertia and impunity.

Stating that torture and arbitrary detention are pervasive in Manipur, particularly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA), the reported pointed out that these laws, ostensibly designed to combat terrorism, are frequently misused to target political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

It further pointed out that civil society in Manipur operates under constant threat of repression and documented how human rights defenders, journalists, and activists are harassed, intimidated, and subjected to violence.

The government employs broad and vague charges, such as sedition and waging war against the state, to silence critical voices.

This repression extends to restricting peaceful assembly and association, severely limiting the ability of civil society organisations to function effectively, elaborated the report while criticising state human rights institutions for their lack of independence and resources.

The Manipur State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is described as a ' toothless tiger," incapable of adequately addressing human rights abuses due to insufficient funding and political interference.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also faces scrutiny for its inability to operate independently and effectively, raising serious concerns about its compliance with the Paris Principles.

The NHRC's deferred reviews and lack of substantial amendments to ensure independence and transparency are highlighted as major shortcomings.

Regarding ethnic minorities in Manipur facing alleged systemic discrimination and denied their right to self-determination, the report traces the roots of the problem to forcible annexation of Manipur by India in 1949, which left a lasting impact on the region's political landscape.

The report emphasises the need for a political solution that respects the rights of indigenous peoples and addresses their demands for autonomy and self-governance along with observing that the government of India's militarised response to these demands has only deepened the conflict and perpetuated cycles of violence.

The report also highlights the economic and social rights violations resulting from the militarisation and ongoing conflict in Manipur.

"Manipur has become one of the most militarised areas of the world.

In the prevailing armed conflict situation of Manipur, not less than 1,00,000 Indian soldiers in addition to several thousands of police, mercenaries, intelligence agencies, etc., in a population of below 3 million are deployed," the report said.

The presence of security forces disrupts agriculture, the primary livelihood for many, and restricts access to education and healthcare.

Economic blockades and curfews further exacerbate the hardships faced by the civilian population, leading to a deterioration in living standards and widespread poverty.

To humanise the statistics, the report included several case studies and personal accounts from victims and their families.

For instance, the story of Thangjam Manorama, a young woman allegedly tortured and killed by Assam Rifles personnel in 2004, is highlighted.

Despite widespread protests and international condemnation, justice remains elusive for her family.

Similarly, the case of Irom Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years to protest AFSPA, underscores the desperation and determination of those seeking justice in Manipur.

CSCHR Manipur and the UN made several urgent recommendations for international intervention including immediate repeal of AFSPA, which is seen as the root cause of many human rights violations.

The report also called for the ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the establishment of independent mechanisms to ensure accountability and justice.

The report advocated creation of a "Peace and Reconciliation Commission" to facilitate dialogue among all stakeholders and promote sustainable peace in the region.

It emphasised the importance of involving indigenous and local communities in this process to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights respected.

Furthermore, it called on the international community to exert pressure on the Indian government to comply with its international human rights obligations and to provide technical and financial support for human rights initiatives in Manipur.

As the United Nations Human Rights Committee prepares for its 141st session, the alternate report by CSCHR Manipur and the UN, as a critical document spotlighting the severe human rights issues in Manipur, sought robust international pressure on the Indian government to uphold its commitments under the ICCPR and to take meaningful steps towards resolving the conflict and ensuring justice for the victims.

The report concluded with a plea for international solidarity with the people of Manipur and a commitment to working towards a future where human rights are respected and protected.

Comment