IPSA fetes Athouba, Dr Noni for advocacy at UNHRC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 13 2024: The International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Kangleipak, in collaboration with several allied organisations, hosted a felicitation ceremony on Sunday to honour IPSA working president and COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba and DM University associate professor Dr Arambam Noni Meitei.

The event commended their efforts in advocating the state's integrity and peace during the 57th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The ceremony held in the presence of representatives of PANDM, ACOAM LUP, IPAK, KSA, LIYA LUP, KANGL-AMEI, KIL, CLK, AKSIL, MIKL, and SWA, acknowledged the duo's significant role in raising international awareness about the ongoing ethnic violence in the state since May 3, 2023.The prolonged violence, despite heavy deployment of central armed forces, continues to cause severe unrest in the region.

Their participation in the side events at the UNHRC drew attention to this issue and emphasised the need for immediate action.

During their advocacy campaign at the UNHRC, Athouba and Dr Noni underscored the importance of preserving Manipur's territorial integrity and appealed for an end to the ethnic violence perpetrated by Kuki militants.

A solidarity protest was organised in front of the UN Headquarters in Geneva, followed by a side event to discuss the crisis.

Activists, academicians, and members of the Western South East Asian diaspora, including representatives from India's Northeast, played a crucial role in these discussions.

Notably, the Manipuri diaspora from the UK was instrumental in orchestrating the events on September 30, 2024, during the 57th UNHRC session.

The discussions at the UNHRC condemned the "500-day-long violence" that has plagued Manipur and urged the international community to intervene.

The panellists, including Athouba and Dr Noni, pressed global leaders to demand action from the Government of India to halt the violence, safeguard civilians, and uphold Manipur's territorial integrity.

They also brought to light the mention of "A lebensraum for the Kukis", a concept referenced in books by Kuki leaders advocating for a separate Kukiland, a move that threatens Manipur's sovereignty.

The UNHRC events garnered significant attention, drawing participation from delegates representing the European Union, India, Bangladesh, Switzerland, Colombia, and the African Union, as well as representatives from international NGOs, media outlets, and special rapporteurs.

The situation in Manipur, marked by rocket and drone-propelled bomb attacks by Kuki militants, was a focal point of the discussions, with panellists calling for a peaceful resolution and an end to the violence.

IPSA expressed gratitude for the broad media coverage and public support received for their advocacy campaign.

The organisation acknowledged the vital role of the Europe and UK-based Manipuri diaspora in bringing global attention to the crisis.

Both Khuraijam Athouba and Dr Arambam Noni emphasised the significance of engaging in international platforms to counter disinformation, promote peace, and secure a stable future for Manipur.

They reiterated the importance of setting a clear narrative regarding Manipur's unique historical and political identity in the face of ongoing challenges.

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