UN apprised on humanitarian issues in Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 14 2023: The Collective of 15, a conglomerate of 15 organisations represented by various communities of Manipur have apprised the United Nations General Assembly, New York on human rights violations and humanitarian issues in Manipur.

A memorandum in this regard has been submitted by the Collective of 15 to various allied offices and agencies of the United Nations calling for urgent attention on the issue of hunger, poverty, militarization, partisan role of the central security forces of India, and unabated violation of Tripartite Suspension of Operation Ground Rules by the Kuki militants.

The Collective of 15 includes All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Committee on Human Rights (COHR), National Research Centre (NRC), Porei Leimarol Meirapaibi Apunba Lup Manipur (PLMPAM), Indigenous People's Forum (IPF), Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM), All Manipur Ethnical Socio Cultural Organisation (AMESCO), All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs Organisation (AMMPCO), Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC), Pangal Students' Organisation (PSO), All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWO VA), Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM), Youths Foundation for Fitness and Service Manipur (YOFFS) and All Manipur Manpower Upliftment Centre (AMMUC) .

In a press communique, the Collective of 15 informed that the petition condemned the participation of armed Kuki militants in combat uniform in the so called 'Tribal Solidarity March' of May 3,2023 organised by All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) as the triggering point for the present tension and urged for urgent probe and befitting punishment.

While stressing that an unbiased international attention and intervention is the need of the hour in accordance with the established International Humanitarian Laws, the memorandum drew the attention of the United Nations to the issues of human rights violations and the blockade of lifeline like highways by the Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operation.

The involvement of Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) and Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) in blocking the National Highways, disallowing free movement of people and transportation of essential commodities has been termed as 'inhuman' and 'genocidal attitude' causing enormous price rise, poverty, and hunger in the state of Manipur.

The memorandum placed various demands to the UN and its agencies which include - investigation into violation of International Humanitarian Laws by the Chin- Kuki militants and punishment of the perpetrators under established international norms; probe the role of Kuki militants under SoO in inciting and provoking ethnic tension; unprecedented use of violence and weapons against civilians by the Chin-Kuki militants be restrained and investigated; UN should mandate the ICRC to extend its humanitarian relief and services to all the victims of communal violence; UN should apprise the Indian state to uphold the territorial and administrative integrity of Manipur; ensure free movement of people on the national highways and transportation of essential goods including food; ensure service of Red Cross (India) and media access in Kuki militant dominated areas; investigation into proliferation of narco-cartel organised violent networks, small arms trade and its long term ramifications on youths and ethnic harmony in Manipur; United Nations and ICRC extend support in rehabilitation and reparation for the damages and losses inflicted by the conflict; Government of India and the Central Security establishments be apprised to ensure, act responsibly and to provide adequate security measures in vulnerable and sensitive areas so that the communities displaced can return to their original settlement areas; and that a UN/ ICRC mission be sent to Manipur for peace building and aid.

Explaining the origin of the ethnic tension, the petition argues that 'the mobilization for Greater Chin-Kuki Homeland also known as Zalen'gam project has continuously impaired inter ethnic relations in the region', the release added.

Giving a non-ethnicised perspective on drug economy and its menace, the petition contended that 'the region has transformed itself from consumer to opium producer which is a cause of concern for every ethnic identity', the release said.

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