WMC kicks off signature drive to urge UN to rectify statement
Meitei diasporas join hands for united stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 26 2023: The World Meetei Council (WMC) has started a worldwide signature campaign to make an appeal to the United Nations to review and rectify a statement it released on the Manipur crisis.

The UN Special Rapporteur released the PR on the Manipur crisis on September 4 under the title "India: UN experts alarmed by continuing abuses in Manipur" .

The World Meetei Council, representing the Meeteis in India and Meetei diaspora around the world is very concerned.

The press release lacks balance and impartiality, potentially perpetuating a divisive narrative, WMC said in a statement.

In response to the press release, the World Meetei Council launched a worldwide signature campaign yesterday.

The objective of the signature campaign is to appeal to the UN to "review the press release and rectify it to ensure impartiality and inclusivity", said WMC.

The signature campaign is supported and has been joined by Meeteis/Meiteis in America, Asia, Europe and India.

People can join the signature campaign on the link--https://chng.it/T6bgrDD7DT, said WMC.

The World Meetei Council is disputing several points mentioned in the UN press release, including the portrayal of the conflict as religious, gender based, incited by hate speech and Kuki community as ethnic minority and the victim.

The submission by way of the signature campaign addresses the real complex dynamics of the conflict and the fact that Meeteis/Meiteis are the indigenous and endangered community in India.

It points out the grave consequences of committing ethnic cleansing of the Meeteis/Meiteis from Kuki dominated districts since May 3, 2023, said WMC.

"WMC's submission exposes the primary cause of the issue as illicit plans, actions, and aggression by the Chin-Kuki terrorist groups, their political leaders and militant factions operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO), all motivated by one common deadly dream of a separate Nation Zalengam or Zoland," said the council.

"The World Meetei Council is requesting a re-evaluation and revision of the UN press release to ensure a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of the issue.

We emphasize the importance of the United Nations' credibility as a neutral and objective international organization," said WMC in its submission.

The violent Manipur ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis that began on May 3 entered the 177th day (5 month 24 days) today.

Violent clashes and gun battles during the crisis have killed over 170, injured hundreds and displaced more than 50,000 people, majority of them Meiteis from Churachandpur, Moreh, Kangpokpi and fringes of Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts.

Violence has subsided since the past few weeks, but complete normalcy and peace is still eluding the State.

Mobile internet ban imposed in the whole of Manipur since May 3 evening with a respite for about 2 days in September end is yet to be restored.

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