Licypriya urges global action on Manipur violence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 17 2024: Climate activist Licypriya Kangujam made a fervent plea at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, calling on world leaders to condemn acts of violence perpetrated by Kuki militants in Manipur and to support efforts for peace in the state.

Government of Brazil invited Licypriya for the summit, attended by global figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President, and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

A press statement issued in this regard on Sunday informed that during her address, Licypriya recounted the harrowing Jiribam incident, in which six civilians, including three minors and three women, were abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed by Kuki militants, while two men were burned alive.

She raised the slogans "Justice for Meetei" and "Justice for Manipur" urging the international community to take a stand against such violence, which she described as a violation of international law and United Nations principles.

She emphasised that immediate action is needed to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Meeteis in India.

Licypriya also framed the conflict in Manipur as "The New Climate War", characterising it as a battle between communities who cherish nature and those who do not.

She urged G20 leaders to recognise deforestation as an international crime, advocating for stronger measures to protect natural resources.

Her speech also highlighted broader global issues, drawing attention to the challenges faced by Timor-Leste due to climate change, rising sea levels that threaten not only lives but the cultural heritage of the region, and called on wealthier nations to provide reparations for the damage inflicted by climate change on vulnerable countries, along with emphasising the need for support to combat food insecurity, hunger, and poverty.

Licypriya also met Brazilian President Lula da Silva and presented him with the "G20 Youth Demands on Loss & Damage Funds", a statement representing the voices of millions of young people affected by climate change.

The document, compiled by youth from 196 countries, calls for significant financial commitments to address the impacts of the climate crisis.

President Lula assured her that he would bring the statement to the attention of other G20 leaders for consideration.

Licypriya denounced the global prioritisation of military expenditure over humanitarian needs.

"We are living in a world that feeds war, not the children," she said.

"If we redirected the billions spent on conflict to end hunger, provide education, and fight climate change, pur planet would be transformed into a far better place.

This is not fair, and it is truly shameful," she added.

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