CRA highlights humanitarian crisis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 29 2025: The Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRA), Manipur has highlighted the State's humanitarian crisis and conflict in Manipur and its impacts on women and children from different communities at the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII) held at UN Headquarters, New York, USA .

Representing CRA at the session held from April 21 to 30, its secretary Jiten Yumnam asserted that the conflict situation has warranted an urgent need to protect the lives and rights of the indigenous peoples of Manipur.

He said that pursuance of emergency laws viz; AFSPA 1958, militarisation and infringement on people's rights is a serious concern in Manipur.

Jiten Yumnam highlighted the indigenous peoples' concerns to creation of "Biosphere Reserve" and expansion of Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary under UNESCO's "Man & Biosphere framework" in Tamenglong areas along with oil exploration plan, and the push for oil palm cultivation in Manipur will worsen environmental impacts.

He urged upon the PFII to recommend the Government of India to protect the lives and rights of indigenous peoples of Manipur and to stop targeting of indigenous women and children in conflict.

He also sought urgent rehabilitation and resettlement of indigenous communities affected by conflict in Manipur and fostering peacebuilding and reconciliation among indigenous peoples.

Jiten Yumnam also sought dismantling of buffer zones in Manipur and repeal of emergency laws such as AFSPA 1958 that undermine indigenous rights in North East India.

He called upon the PFII to urge the Government to ensure that any financing in indigenous peoples' land, including extractives to uphold indigenous values, human rights and consent.

Corporations and international financial institutions (IFIs) should desist from financing critical minerals mining and other unsustainable projects in indigenous land that can worsen social, environment, human rights impacts, Jiten said.

He added that IFIs and corporations should desist from supporting false climate solutions viz; dams, oil exploration in Manipur and across North East India.

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