MIYC urges armed groups in Manipur to respect humanitarian law

The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has appealed to all armed opposition groups operating in Manipur to declare adherence to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and to sign the Deeds of Commitment facilitated by Geneva Call if they consider their struggle a genuine armed movement.
The organisation stated that groups refusing to undertake such commitments must immediately end extortion, forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, targeted civilian attacks, and other criminal activities that have terrorized the people of Manipur. It noted that the legitimacy of any political struggle depends not only on its goals but also on the means employed. The continuing displacement, sexual violence, forced recruitment, illegal highway taxation, seizure of property, and ethnically targeted attacks were described as intolerable, unlawful, and a permanent stain on those who commit them.
MIYC explained that Common Article 3 sets the minimum humanitarian standards in internal armed conflicts. It requires humane treatment of persons not involved in hostilities and prohibits murder, torture, mutilation, hostage-taking, humiliating treatment, and executions without due judicial process. The Centre argued that every organised armed non-state actor in Manipur must conform to these obligations.
The organisation also reminded the Government of India that it has enacted the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960, to implement international humanitarian obligations domestically. Any excessive military operations, arbitrary detention, or collective punishment, such as barring Meiteis from national highways, was said to be a violation of both international law and Indian legislation. MIYC urged the government to ensure genuine compliance through civilian protection, prosecution of war crimes, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Highlighting the role of Geneva Call, MIYC noted that the Deeds of Commitment offered a mechanism for armed groups to pledge respect for humanitarian norms without implying political recognition. Such deeds, it added, have reduced civilian harm in other conflicts and provided accountability pathways.
MIYC outlined practical demands: public declarations of Common Article 3 compliance, signing of relevant Deeds of Commitment, immediate cessation of civilian-targeting acts, release of child recruits, and unhindered humanitarian monitoring.
The Centre maintained that a political cause loses moral authority if it tolerates mass harm against the very population it claims to represent. It asserted that respect for humanitarian law would restore legitimacy, reduce civilian casualties, and create space for dialogue.
The MIYC further appealed to both armed groups and the state to place humanity first, insisting that political aspiration and human dignity must never be in conflict.