Interference in India’s internal affairs unacceptable – GMF

The Global Manipur Federation (GMF), which represents the global Manipuri diaspora, has strongly criticized a recent side event at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) titled ‘The Crisis in Manipur and Implications for Human Rights in India.  Hosted by The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) on behalf of a coalition of NGOs, the event has raised serious concerns about its fairness and its impact on Manipur and India.
During the event, Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson for the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and Vice President of IPSA during the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, was unfairly prevented from completing his questions and presenting his views. The actions of Wissam al-Saliby, Director of the WEA’s Geneva office and the event’s moderator, were biased and unfair. Al-Saliby allowed a one-sided narrative to dominate, which included false stories about the current Manipur crisis said GMF in a press release.
The composition of the expert panel is also a cause for concern. Some panel members have previously spoken about the violence in Manipur. These individuals include Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur On Violence Against Women And Girls; Florence N. Lowe, head of North American Manipur Tribal Association; Henna Zuberi, advocacy director of Justice for All, and Nury Turkel, commissioner of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, who sent a pre-recorded video message.
In a press release, the GMF expressed deep concern about the UN Special Rapporteur On Violence Against Women And Girls participating in such a misrepresented event, which is an attempt to highlight communal divisions in Manipur, despite the event being intended to address migrant-related issues before a UN expert panel. The GMF asserts that interference in India’s internal affairs is unacceptable.
Certain religious groups are trying to portray the present crisis as a Christian-Hindu conflict that began in May. The GMF emphasizes that the violent conflict in Manipur primarily stems from narco-terrorism, the relocation of the infamous Golden Triangle to Manipur, and the issue of illegal immigration, with illegal Chin-Kukis as the main actors. Therefore, the WEA’s attempt to frame it as a religious conflict is misleading.
According to the 2011 census, the population of Meitei Hindus (excluding Meitei Pangals and Meitei Christians) is smaller than the overall Tribal Christian population in Manipur (30. % vs. 46. %). Therefore, claiming minority persecution is unfounded.
Given these concerns, the GMF is considering requesting the United Nations to investigate these efforts by religious groups to defame and mislead in the Manipur crisis, diverting attention from the pressing issues that threaten the region’s stability and well-being. This investigation aligns with the United Nations’ fundamental duty, as outlined in its declaration, to protect indigenous people worldwide.
The Global Manipur Federation urges all Indians and the international community to reject attempts to distort the situation in Manipur. They call for unity in the commitment to justice and meaningful dialog through democratic means, and they urge all parties involved to avoid promoting biased narratives that could worsen tensions in the region.
Based in Suwon, South Korea, the GMF is a global peace advocacy group dedicated to promoting non-violent conflict resolution, dialog, and cooperation among nations and communities worldwide. Their mission is to create a more harmonious and united world, and they actively engage in conflict resolution initiatives and humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering and build a sustainable foundation for peace.