IT News
Imphal July 21:
In a recent address to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during its 56th session in Geneva, Khuraijam Athouba, Working President of the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and spokesperson for COCOMI, urgently highlighted the severe human rights violations occurring in Manipur.
Speaking to the media in Imphal, Khuraijam Athouba reported on his address to the UNHRC, drawing attention to both the human rights abuses in Manipur and the plight of the Manipuri Diaspora. In his address, he also criticized the Indian government for its failure to address these systemic issues, including ethnic discrimination, narco-terrorism, cross-border immigration problems, and demographic imbalances. He also condemned the use of foreign mercenaries by the Indian government in its proxy conflict with revolutionary groups, which he believes has intensified the crisis.
He expressed concerns about the slow pace of justice, noting that there has been no significant progress in hearings related to Manipur’s issues despite a charge sheet being submitted by the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s office. His address also touched upon broader geopolitical concerns affecting Manipur, such as armed movements, counter-insurgency operations, illegal immigration, and narco-terrorism linked to the Golden Triangle region.
Additionally, Khuraijam Athouba reported on efforts to coordinate with Geneva-based officials and the submission of complaints to various international bodies. Notable figures, including Thiseas Poullo (European Union) and Irene Khan (UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression), have been briefed on the ongoing issues in Manipur.
He also addressed concerns in the UK regarding misinformation about Manipur circulating on social media. He reported that a complaint has been filed against Uday S. Reddy, a professor at Birmingham University, for allegedly spreading false information through his handle Kautilya 33 in X (formerly Twitter). This complaint, supported by evidence, has been submitted to both the Birmingham Police and University authorities.