IT News
Imphal, Sept 26:
The 26th meeting of the 57th United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session focused on the ongoing crises in Manipur and the broader Northeast region of India. Multiple speakers, representing various regions and NGOs, highlighted the turmoil in Manipur, Assam, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. One of the key participants was Khuraijam Athouba, Working President of the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), who addressed the Council at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on September 25, 2024.
Athouba delivered his second intervention during the General Debate on Agenda Item 5, “Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention.” He underscored the escalating tensions in Manipur, which have persisted for over 500 days, and criticized the lack of effective action from the 60,000 Indian troops stationed in the region.
Athouba’s statement detailed how armed groups, allegedly belonging to Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist factions under peace talks with the Indian government, have used drones and rockets to launch violent attacks on civilian areas, leading to deaths and destruction. He also cited reports from the Chairman of the Unified Command, warning that around 900 Kuki militants had infiltrated Manipur from across the Indo-Myanmar border, further intensifying the conflict.
Despite the heavy military presence, Athouba expressed concerns over government inaction, suggesting potential complicity and prioritization of geopolitical interests over the safety of the indigenous population. He described the indigenous people of Manipur as being in a “hostage-like situation,” caught between escalating violence and insufficient state protection, and called the crisis a grave human rights emergency with far-reaching implications.
Athouba urged the UNHRC to intervene by protecting the native people of Manipur, assigning special rapporteurs to assess the deteriorating situation, and recognizing the threat of immigrant armed narco-terrorism. He emphasized the need for immediate international attention to restore peace and security in the region.
In addition to Athouba’s intervention, members of the Manipuri diaspora from across Europe and the UK are expected to join the international campaign for justice, which has been ongoing in Geneva since September 15, 2024. The campaign, organized under the aegis of IPSA, advocates for the protection of the indigenous people of Manipur against the aggression of immigrant armed narco-terrorist groups. IPSA and other civil society organizations are coordinating with Athouba to maximize the impact of his presence at the United Nations.
