CSCHR seeks revision of UN panel's recommendation
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 18 2023:
Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) has urged United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to review special rapporteur's (SR) recommendation on refugee status in Manipur (India) .
In a letter, CSCHR convenor Phulindro Konsam mentioned about the official record of violence perpetrated by illegal infiltrators in Manipur by citing several cases including detention of over 2000 illegal Myanmar immigrants within few months of the constitution of Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) headed by minister Letpao Haokip.
According to 2011 census, there are 2973 recognised villages in Manipur.
On April 26, 2022, as many as 966 unrecognised villages were created, out of which 309, 281, 205 and 130 villages were found located in Kuki areas of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Chandel and Tengnoupal districts respectively, he informed.
Phulindro also mentioned about involvement of illegal Kuki immigrants from Myanmar in the present crisis of Manipur as many Myanmar nationals who sustained bullet and splinters injuries during the conflict were treated at Churachandpur district hospital.
Considering the facts relating to the illegal Kuki immigrants who infiltrated into Manipur (India), CSCHR urged the SR on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to review the earlier recommendations to India as it is contradictory to the present context in Manipur (India).
Regarding the recommendation of SR to refrain from blocking Myanmar nationals fleeing violence from crossing land borders, avoid collective exclusions and ensure that return of such individuals are safe, voluntary and dignified, he pointed out that India is not party to the International Refugee Convention, and therefore has no international legal obligation to treat refugees and illegal migrants according to law.
In connection with the recommendation "Ensure safe passage of individuals seeking to assist UNHCR office" and "India give UNHCR unfettered access to refugees and asylum seekers throughout the country, including Mizoram and Manipur states", he urged the SR to distinguish "individuals'", who require genuine UNHCR assistance and maintained that the unfettered access to refugees and asylum seekers is unacceptable because trans-border movement of individuals demands stringent scrutiny in accordance to national law.
At this critical juncture, he exhorted the SR to visit the conflict inflicted province of Manipur (India) at the earliest in order to gather factual understanding of the situation so that a peaceful resolution could be ensured.