IT News
Imphal, Dec 9:
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/3/217A, known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). As the declaration marks its 76th anniversary in 2024, plans are underway globally to observe International Human Rights Day under the theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”
In honour of the occasion, CorCom (Coordination Committee) has announced its solidarity with the people of WESEA (Western Southeast Asia) and Manipur (Kangleipak), emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human rights. M. Shak-Hen, the media coordinator of CorCom, stated that the committee would advocate for the protection of fundamental rights, resist oppression, and highlight the urgent need to preserve the dignity of indigenous communities, asserting their right to exist amid ongoing challenges.
While the UDHR was adopted in 1948, its significance in India and WESEA has been overshadowed by historical events. Following the controversial annexation of Manipur (Kangleipak) into India on October 15, 1949, the fundamental rights of its people were systematically eroded, leading to decades of marginalization, human rights violations, and an ongoing struggle for self-determination. The right to self-determination, as enshrined in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), remains central to the aspirations of the people of Manipur (Kangleipak).
The ongoing fight for self-determination in Manipur reflects the deep desire of its people to reclaim their identity and sovereignty. The full realization of these rights requires recognition, justice, and collective action to address historical wrongs and secure a dignified future. However, the right to freedom of expression, guaranteed by Article 19 of the UDHR and the ICCPR, has been severely restricted in Manipur. Press freedom and open communication are suppressed under various forms of control and censorship, leaving the people with limited access to accurate information. Journalists face constant threats, and attempts to share authentic narratives are often met with silencing or punitive actions, creating an environment where fear and misinformation dominate.
The right to freedom of movement, outlined in Article 13 of the UDHR, is also severely curtailed. In Manipur (Kangleipak), residents face increasing militarization, and their mobility is restricted due to oppressive policies. These challenges highlight the need for unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and resisting policies that hinder freedom. Only when individuals are empowered to express their truths without fear can progress and justice be achieved.
In areas under significant control, infrastructure is often developed to serve the interests of a dominant power, at the expense of the local population. In Manipur (Kangleipak), the Indian government has been accused of restricting freedom and silencing dissent, with reports of entire villages being depopulated and detention-like conditions emerging, resembling concentration camps. Such actions violate basic human rights and undermine the right to self-determination and autonomy.
Additionally, the denial of the right to work, as outlined in Article 23 of the UDHR, is particularly severe in Manipur. Many people are left unemployed, unable to sustain themselves or their families due to systemic oppression and militarized governance. This situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and a renewed commitment to upholding human dignity and freedom.
India’s expansionist policies in the region are largely driven by its strategic objectives. These policies prioritize dominance over the rights and aspirations of smaller communities and nations. In South Asia and Southeast Asia, India has employed measures such as deploying mercenary forces to reinforce its influence under the guise of maintaining national security. This practice disrupts local governance and further alienates indigenous populations, exacerbating their struggles for self-determination and basic rights.
The increasing militarization and suppression in these regions signal a new phase of human rights violations, where India’s geopolitical ambitions overshadow the voices of ethnic and indigenous peoples. Efforts to resist these actions are often dismissed or crushed, leaving these communities with limited avenues to assert their rights.
The call for ethnic homelands and self-determination grows stronger in response to these developments. Protecting the cultural and ethnic identities of these communities requires resisting India’s expansionist strategies and safeguarding their fundamental rights. It is imperative to challenge policies that undermine the existence and aspirations of these communities.
In Manipur (Kangleipak), the use of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, has further exacerbated the human rights situation. This law, inherited from colonial India, continues to grant military forces excessive powers to operate in regions deemed “disturbed,” including Manipur. The militarization of the region has led to numerous human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, and violence against civilians. Despite widespread opposition, India continues to enforce these policies, ignoring calls for self-determination and justice from the indigenous population.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the ongoing issues in Manipur (Kangleipak), yet India continues to enforce policies that suppress the rights of its people. These policies, implemented through military control and authoritarian governance, continue to undermine the region’s autonomy and freedoms. The people of Manipur (Kangleipak) continue to resist this imposition, viewing it as part of a broader colonial legacy that has never truly ended.
The struggle for freedom and justice in Manipur (Kangleipak) is a direct response to India’s military presence and its ongoing disregard for the rights and sovereignty of the region. The colonial legacy persists, with military control and the denial of basic human rights continuing to affect the people of Manipur (Kangleipak). In light of these ongoing challenges, CorCom has reiterated its call for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention to the situation.
