Imphal, June 15: As ethnic violence continues to grip Manipur, 15 prominent organizations representing various communities have come together to submit a joint memorandum to the United Nations and several international agencies. Their plea seeks urgent international attention and intervention to bring an end to the escalating crisis in the northeastern state.
In the memorandum, the Manipur-based organizations emphasized on the pressing issues of hunger, poverty, militarization, and the biased role of central security forces. They also highlight the violation of ground rules in the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement by Kuki militants, exacerbating the situation.
The organizations addressed their concerns to the Secretary General of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Civil Society Section, Amnesty International and ICRC India Chapter, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Asia.
A spokesperson for the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), one of the leading organizations involved, states that the unrest has caused severe disruptions to inter-community ties and peace in Manipur and the wider northeastern region. They expressed concerns about the involvement of foreign Chin-Kuki-Mizo (Myanmarese) mercenaries in inciting ethnic violence.
Drawing attention to human rights violations and the blockade of the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway, which serves as Manipur’s lifeline, the memorandum urged the UN and other bodies to take immediate action. The organizations also pointed towards the issue of drug cartels and their expanding financing network, which has infiltrated social and political life in the northeast region and along the India-Myanmar border.
The memorandum further highlighted cross-border illicit activities such as human trafficking, poppy cultivation, deforestation, illegal immigration, and ecological concerns that have further complicated the state’s situation. It emphasized the democratic participation of Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis, and Pangals (Manipur Muslims) in the state’s political history, urging the UN to recognize Manipur’s fraternal political context.
The interconnected topography of Manipur is stressed as a critical factor, with nearly 60% of the state’s population residing in the Manipur Valley. The organizations called for envisioning democratic and just land laws that reflect this demographic reality.
The memorandum further highlighted the influx of foreigners, the central government’s failure to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Zo exclusive greater homeland territorial project as major threats to ethnic harmony, integrity, and peace in Manipur.
The memorandum concluded with an appeal to ensure responsible actions and provide adequate security measures in vulnerable and sensitive areas, allowing displaced communities to return to their original settlements.
Among the 15 organizations joining AMUCO are the Committee on Human Rights (COHR), National Research Centre (NRC), Porei Leimarol Meirapaibi Apunba Lup Manipur (PLMPAM), Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), All Manipur Ethnical Socio Cultural Organisation (AMESCO), and the All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs Organisation (AMMPCO).
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