IT News
Imphal, Nov 14:
The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) and Youth Collective Manipur (YCM) have urgently appealed to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions for immediate intervention to save six civilians, including women and children, who were reportedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur, India.
The letter, sent to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, requests action to secure the release of these individuals, who were allegedly taken on November 11, 2024, after a violent incident in the Jiribam district. The organizations state that in the wake of the attack, Kuki militants burned multiple homes of the Meitei community, leading to the abduction of civilians who remain unaccounted for.
In their appeal, MIYC and YCM describe a worsening crisis in Manipur, beginning in May 2023, where ongoing violence has led to extrajudicial killings, abductions, and widespread displacement of civilians. They document a series of violent incidents in recent months, including 11 November 2024 assault on the Borobekra Police Station in Jiribam district, which reportedly left 10 militants dead and 10 villagers missing, six of whom are still missing.
According to the organizations, those abducted include three women and three children, the youngest of whom is an 8-month-old infant. Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Geneva Conventions, MIYC and YCM assert that these abductions violate international human rights law prohibiting violence against civilians and hostage-taking.
In their urgent plea, MIYC and YCM request that the United Nations Special Rapporteur take several actions to prevent further harm to these civilians. They ask for an investigation into the incident, a public appeal for the immediate release of the hostages, and measures to hold perpetrators accountable under international law.
The letter also emphasizes the need for humanitarian protection and assistance for civilians affected by ongoing violence in Manipur, particularly measures to prevent further abductions and violence.
The appeal concludes with a call for the United Nations to respond promptly, noting the imminent danger faced by the abducted civilians. MIYC and YCM stress that decisive action is necessary to prevent loss of life and uphold international human rights standards, expressing hope that the Special Rapporteur will take urgent steps to safeguard those in immediate danger.
