The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has written to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the occasion of United Nations Day, marking the global body’s 80th anniversary, drawing attention to the ongoing crisis in Manipur and urging international concern over the situation.
In the letter signed by M.C. Meetei, Coordinator of MIYC, the organization lauded the UN’s historic contributions over eight decades in promoting peace, human rights, and decolonisation. However, it also noted that “many decolonisation struggles remain unfinished” and appealed to the Secretary-General to accelerate efforts to resolve outstanding global issues related to Non-Self-Governing Territories and national liberation movements.
Linking the message to Manipur’s present turmoil, the MIYC described a “Gaza-like siege” that has persisted since May 3, 2023, when the closure of key national highways by a particular community resulted in severe hardship for civilians. The organization urged the UN to recognize the gravity of the crisis and call upon the concerned State authorities to ensure free movement and safety for all communities in the state.
The letter further appealed to the UN leadership to devise urgent mechanisms to halt ongoing global conflicts, including those in Palestine and Ukraine, and to restore peace through political dialogue.
The MIYC sought to align Manipur’s humanitarian situation with the broader UN principles of justice, dignity, and self-determination, calling for international awareness and intervention to uphold these values in the troubled region.