IT News
Imphal, Oct 4:
The Komite Esperansa, a political movement in Timor-Leste composed of students, precarious youth, landless individuals, and workers, has taken a firm stance against what it describes as an underdevelopment policy in Timor-Leste. This policy, they claim, is part of a global economic system referred to as imperial capitalism, which systematically fuels various crises. These crises include ecological degradation, a mounting debt burden, escalating costs of living, and a widespread mental health crisis, among others. The movement points out that amidst these challenges, solidarity is being stifled as the state continues to restrict the people’s ability to show support for oppressed regions like Papua, Palestine, Western Sahara, Manipur, and others.
Despite these limitations, the Komite Esperansa and allied human rights activists have emphasized their commitment to providing solidarity in their own way to the oppressed populations in these regions. They have recently issued a statement of solidarity, particularly focusing on the people of Manipur, a region in Northeast India. The political status of Manipur, which shares a 398-kilometer international border with Myanmar, remains contentious. Historically, Manipur was a sovereign state with its own distinct language, culture, and political system. After gaining independence from British rule on August 14, 1947, a day before India’s independence, Manipur formed its first democratic government with representatives from all its major ethnic communities.
However, in 1949, the state was forcibly annexed into India, a political event that many in the region continue to resist. The day of the annexation, October 15, is annually observed as “Black Day” by the people of Manipur, who commemorate the loss of their sovereignty. Several movements, including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), emerged in the 1970s, advocating for the restoration of Manipur’s independence.
The government of India responded to these movements with intense militarization. In 1981, Manipur was declared a “disturbed area” under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, granting sweeping powers to the Indian armed forces to suppress the independence movement. Under AFSPA, the military is authorized to kill on mere suspicion and carry out arbitrary detentions, exacerbating the security situation in the region.
The application of emergency legislation such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA) has led to further human rights violations, particularly against women.
Recent reports have highlighted the partisan role played by Indian security forces, including the Assam Rifles, Jat Regiment, and the Rapid Action Force, in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. Allegations have surfaced that these forces failed to prevent violence and even contributed to it, sparking widespread protests from local communities. The Meitei people, who make up a significant portion of Manipur’s population, have been particularly vocal in calling for the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the state, accusing them of exacerbating the conflict rather than maintaining peace.
In response to these concerns, several protests have erupted across the state, with Meitei women leading the charge in some areas, blocking military personnel and demanding accountability for the violence inflicted on their communities. However, despite these protests and the heavy militarization of the region, the conflict continues to escalate, with allegations of state complicity in the violence and a growing sense of urgency for a resolution.
The Komite Esperansa, in its statement, called upon the international community to recognize the struggles of the people of Manipur and stand in solidarity with their pursuit of justice, dignity, and self-determination. They condemned the violence against civilians and the oppressive occupation of the region, urging for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and respect for human rights. The statement emphasized the need for international support to bring about meaningful change and ensure the protection of the people of Manipur.