IT News
Imphal, Dec 10:
Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director of Human Rights Alert, addressed concerns raised by the Manipur FACT Check Team regarding his comments during an Observer Research Foundation (ORF) meeting titled Decoding Myanmar: Chaos, Conflict, and Crisis. The clarification was issued on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, 2024, where Loitongbam elaborated on the context of his remarks and broader refugee-related challenges in the region.
Loitongbam acknowledged the team’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of aligning humanitarian values with local realities. He stated that universal values should always be tested through their relevance and manifestations in local contexts. Addressing the specific ORF discussion, he clarified that the meeting focused on Myanmar’s crisis and not Manipur’s issues. His comments were aimed at proposing measures to address the situation in Myanmar and were not intended to address the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur, which he engages with in other forums.
Reflecting on Manipur’s history with refugees, Loitongbam noted that the region has seen multiple refugee influxes, including the large-scale migration during World War II and the exodus following Myanmar’s nationalization drive in the 1960s. Despite these recurring crises, he pointed out that India lacks a comprehensive refugee policy or institutions to manage such challenges effectively.
Loitongbam highlighted systemic issues, particularly discrimination in how India addresses asylum seekers from Myanmar. Unlike refugees from other neighboring countries, Myanmar’s asylum seekers are registered and processed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) instead of India’s Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO). However, UNHCR services are based in New Delhi, approximately 2,000 kilometers from Manipur, making access nearly impossible for asylum seekers in border areas. This lack of localized support forces many to resort to illegal means for survival and protection, exacerbating the crisis.
He revealed that even before the ethnic violence in Manipur escalated, appeals were made to the Union Home Secretary and the Prime Minister of India to address these gaps. A March 2023 report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar to the Human Rights Council recommended that India grant UNHCR unrestricted access to operate in Manipur and Mizoram. However, no action has been taken to date, leaving the region ill-equipped to handle the ongoing refugee crisis.
Loitongbam argued that upholding humanitarian norms during conflicts is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic approach for long-term gains. Drawing from Manipuri traditions, he cited the historical account of Meidingu Pamheiba, who, after defeating the Takhel (Tripura) army three centuries ago, refrained from pursuing fleeing soldiers and instead provided them with food and clothing before ensuring their safe return. This humanitarian gesture fostered enduring peace and alliances between Manipur and Tripura, offering valuable lessons for contemporary conflict resolution.
In closing, Loitongbam expressed gratitude to the Manipur FACT Check Team for their commitment to truth and fostering meaningful public discourse during challenging times. He reiterated the need for urgent policy reforms and a collective effort to address the region’s pressing humanitarian issues effectively.
