IT News
Imphal, Nov 16:
The Manipur crisis has escalated to alarming levels, with reports indicating that Kuki militant groups have been responsible for acts that may be classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Humanitarian organizations and legal experts have expressed grave concerns over the systematic violence, forced displacement, and targeted killings of civilians, calling for immediate action to ensure accountability and justice.
According to a statement from the Manipur International Youth Center (MIYC), the recent cold-blooded murders of six civilians, including an eight-month-old infant, represent a severe violation of international humanitarian law. The victims were held hostage for five days between November 11 and November 15, 2024, before being murdered. The group emphasized that these atrocities are not isolated, but part of a broader strategy aimed at instilling fear, destroying communities, and furthering the militants’ divisive objectives.
Reports of large-scale destruction in villages across Churachandpur and other areas of Manipur, primarily targeting the Meitei community, have led to the displacement of thousands. Families now live in harsh conditions in temporary shelters. These actions are seen as part of a broader strategy by Kuki militants to dismantle the state of Manipur in pursuit of their goal of establishing “Zalen’gam,” a proposed Christian state spanning across Bangladesh, India, Manipur, and Myanmar.
The Geneva Conventions prohibit forced displacement, destruction of civilian property, and hostage-taking during armed conflicts. These actions, along with attacks on civilian populations, particularly women and children, may amount to ethnic cleansing under international law. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court also categorizes these actions as crimes against humanity, demanding urgent international investigation and the establishment of an independent tribunal to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Humanitarian groups argue that the Indian government, through its Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki militants, has inadvertently granted legitimacy and space for such acts, raising serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
With over 60,000 displaced persons and widespread destruction, the situation in Manipur underscores the need for an independent inquiry to document these crimes and bring justice to the victims. Calls are growing for both the Indian government and the international community to take swift action to halt the violence, support displaced families, and ensure accountability for those responsible.
