Case of Manipur presented before UNHRC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 16 2024: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) spokersperson Khuraijam Athouba has sought the intervention of the United Nations in restoring normalcy in Manipur during the 55th session of the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) at Geneva, yesterday.

Athouba also requested the UNHRC to seek a report from the Government of India on the measures taken up to resolve the issue of illegal immigration and the subsequent social crisis, cross border trafficking of drugs and arms in Manipur and 'massive' deforestation and opium cultivation in the hill areas of the State, particular along Indo-Myanmar border areas.

Among others, Athouba further sought the intervention of the UN to address the root cause of the ongoing conflict in Manipur through dialogue and to protect the human rights of the people of Manipur.

Speaking to media persons at its office at Lamphel Sanakeithel today, COCOMI coordinator Thokchom Somorendro conveyed that Athouba had highlighted the many cases of 'systematic' violation of rights of the indigenous people in Manipur by illicit drug trading and 'terror activities' during the UNHRC session.

Athouba had also sought the attention of the Council to address the multifaceted crisis the people of Manipur and North East India have been going through in terms of civil, political, economic, social and cultural realms and the use of proxy force to wage a war against Manipur, said Somorendro.

It would be wrong to assume that the crisis besetting Manipur is a clash among communities, he said and added that the war announced by COCOMI was against narco-terrorists and not against any community.

Saying that a collective effort is needed to prevent extension of the infamous Golden Triangle to Manipur, Somorendro continued that all communities residing in Manipur should not remain silent over the unfolding situation in the State.

It seems like the voice of the old Kukis who came to Manipur before 1951 has been suppressed at gunpoint, he claimed and added that Meetei was compelled to come out and face the aggressors as the Government didn't do its job.

Manipuris residing in hill districts should take equal responsibility to keep Manipur intact, he added.

He, meanwhile, said that COCOMI is not involved in any political talk among political and CSO leaders of different communities which Chief Minister N Biren Singh has been talking about.

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