Campaign of terror, asserts RPF-I
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 24 2023: The proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has categorically stated that the campaign carried out in Manipur by the Kuki armed groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) is clearly a campaign of terror.

A statement issued by RPF acting President MM Ngouba on the occasion of the 45th raising day of the People's Liberation Army (September 25) asserted that the current events unfolding in Manipur will undoubtedly be recorded in the annals of history.

MM Ngouba also conveyed his respects to all the revolutionary organisations and the people of Manipur and WESEA.

The actions of the Kuki armed groups involving attacks, killings, atrocities and heinous crimes against the civilians were not limited to any short period rather they were premeditated and organized over an extended time, a fact they have acknowledged.

The persistence of their ongoing activities which have remained unchecked and unprohibited thus far, can be attributed to the fact that they have received patronage, protection, shelter, financial support and political backing, including propaganda assistance, from a godfather.

"It is incumbent upon all of us to jointly uncover the roles played by this godfather, confront their deplorable actions with determination and ensure that they face the consequences for their crimes", MM Ngouba said.

"In our land there is a proverb, 'if the dog is mad, find the owner' .

With the Kuki armed groups receiving patronage, protection and assistance, and being permitted to carry out a campaign of terror within a legal framework, the involvement of the Indian Government and its security forces make it evident that India is conducting a campaign of State-sponsored terrorism in Manipur", the rebel leader alleged.

India cannot evade the repercussions of engaging in alleged State-sponsored terrorism in Manipur, for India as a Nation has signed numerous international agreements aimed at combating terrorism.

Moreover, India's alleged involvement in State-sponsored terrorism in Manipur does not merely impact Manipur alone but also has far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability, read the statement.

India, like some other countries, is actively pursuing a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council as part of the ongoing reforms within the United Nations.

But the agreements signed by India under United Nations to combat terrorism stand in stark contrast to the alleged State-sponsored terrorism conducted in Manipur by India, it remarked.

It went on to ask if the Government's silence, despite being aware of the campaign of terror against unarmed civilians by the armed groups operating under legal agreements, does not constitute a crime.

If their inaction is indicative of consent, could it not be construed as endorsing the actions of the terrorists and, in essence, as State-sponsored terrorism, it further asked.

The fear instigated upon the people, along with the escalating impact of terror, signifies the attainment or successful achievement of terrorism's objective.

For this very reason, laws at international level related to terrorism including those under the UN, consider not only 'action' but also 'inaction' and 'omissions' as factors that can be subject to accountability, it said.

The crucial aspect is that when a Government is aware of a group's terrorist activities, possesses the capability to prevent or halt those activities, yet consciously refrains from taking action due to political, strategic or ideological motivations, it unequivocally holds accountability for supporting or sponsoring terrorism, an irrefutable fact.

In another scenario, a Government's failure to uphold its commitments and agreement, combined with its lack of actions against a group engaging in terrorist activities is considered an indirect support or sponsorship of terrorism, it said.

India's deployment of thousands of security forces and its allowance of the Kuki armed groups which are operating under an agreement with the Government, to engage in terrorism without any hindrance in Manipur have violated the UN Charter's "Prohibition of use of force" .

The utilization of Indian security forces and the contracted forces in Manipur cannot be deemed irrelevant to international relations.

The status of Manipur is explicitly outlined in the Indian Constitution, both before and after its inclusion in India, and is supported by agreements (including forcible annexation) that provides comprehensive historical context, Ngouba said.

The contracted forces used by India in allegedly sponsoring terrorism includes the armed groups from neighbouring Nations currently warring against their respective Governments, such as Kuki PDF as well as individuals brought by them (Kuki inhabitants on either side of the Asian Highway from Tamu to Khampat of Sagaing Division of Myanmar, were brought to Manipur by the Kuki PDFs, which is in conflict with the Myanmar Government), it said.

In the meantime, India lodged frequent accusations against four neighbouring Nations on the international stage, alleging that they provide shelter, training, arms and other forms of assistance to the revolutionary groups of Manipur.

The Indo-Manipur issue is consistently intertwined with international relations, said the RPF acting President.

India's alleged State-sponsored terrorism has flagrantly violated another convention of the United Nations.

It is no longer a secret that Kuki armed groups operating under the SoO agreement, along with Kuki armed groups from neighbouring Nations, are involved in income generation through poppy cultivation and drug trafficking.

It is widely known that the self-proclaimed Myanmar opposition group, the National Unity Government (NUG), has issued notifications to Myanmar nationals and groups seeking refuge in India, urging them to refrain from engaging in poppy cultivation, drug trafficking, and various illicit activities.

These illicit activities are conducted with the implicit cognizance of the Indian Government and Indian security forces, thereby breaching the United Nations' "International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism", it alleged.

There is an even more influential organization, closely aligned with the UN convention, known as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) .

FATF is a global organisation that focuses on the financing of terrorism.

India also actively participates in FATF initiatives to strengthen global efforts against terrorist financing.

This organization has imposed several restrictions on Pakistan on charges of supporting and financing terrorism.

The groups that signed agreements with the Indian Government are openly engaging in intimidation and extortion along the highways of Manipur.

These acts are carried out with the knowledge of the Indian Government, it said.

Despite fervent pleas by the people of Manipur urging the Government to intervene and curtail the groups' activities, the Government has persistently turned a deaf ear to these pleas and feigned ignorance.

In the context of Manipur, India has infringed both the "International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism" and the regulations set forth by FATF.

For this very reason, India must face consequences and it is warranted, according to the RPF statement.

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