Athouba urges UNHRC to intervene in Manipur crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 26 2024: International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) working president Khuraijam Athouba has called for urgent international intervention in the escalating humanitarian crisis in Manipur.

Speaking during the'General Debate on Agenda Item 5, "Human Rights Situations that Require the Council's Attention" , Athouba made an appeal to the UNHRC, highlighting the grave threats being faced by the indigenous populations in Manipur due to the ongoing violence perpetrated by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups, according to a statement of IPSA.

The statement informed that during his address, delivered at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Athouba painted a bleak picture of the ongoing unrest, which has now spanned over 500 days, leaving the indigenous Meetei population trapped in a "hostage-like situation".

Athouba deplored that despite the deployment of over 60,000 Indian troops in the state, there is lack of effective protection for the native people, and expressed concern that the Government of India's inaction could be tied to geopolitical interests, overshadowing its responsibility to safeguard its citizens.

Athouba's appeal, centred on three key actions, called on the UNHRC to intervene directly as the Government of India has failed to protect the native people of Manipur.

He also urged the Council to assign special rapporteurs and relevant mandate offices to conduct an independent assessment of the worsening human rights situation in the region and stressed the need for the UNHRC to acknowledge and address the growing threat of immigrant armed narco-terrorism, which he said is one of the root causes of the violence.

Sharing a detailed account of how the violence has escalated in Manipur over the past 15 months, he explained that armed Chin-Kuki groups, despite being in peace talks with the Government of India, continued to carry out violent attacks on civilians, using drones and rockets to target Meetei settlements.

Referring to a recent media briefing by chairman of Unified Command in Manipur, confirming infiltration of 900 Kuki militants into Manipur through the porous Indo-Myanmar border, Athouba said these militants are planning coordinated assaults against the native population, which could further exacerbating the violence.

The IPSA president criticised the Government of India's failure to act decisively, despite the presence of tens of thousands of troops.

He raised concerns about potential complicity, suggesting that the government's inaction may stem from geopolitical considerations rather than a genuine commitment to protecting its citizens.

Athouba described this as a human rights emergency that extends beyond Manipur, threatening one of the oldest civilisations in the Western Southeast Asia region.

"The situation in Manipur is not just a regional crisis; it is a grave human rights emergency with far-reaching implications, threatening the very existence of one of the oldest civilisations in the Western Southeast Asia region," Athouba told the Council.

He emphasised the need for international attention, warning that the situation will continue to deteriorate without urgent action from the global community.

Athouba reiterated the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate steps to restore peace and security in Manipur.

He urged the international community to stand with the indigenous people of the region, emphasizing that they deserve protection from the ongoing violence and instability.

Athouba is expected to participate in further sessions at the UNHRC, where he will provide additional insights into the crisis, particularly its links to narco-terrorism and the increasing aggression from immigrant groups.

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