COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba once again highlighted the involvement of mercenaries and narco-terrorists in the present conflict in Manipur at the 14th Meeting 54th Regular Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Sunday.
The session was presided over by vice-president of the council Marc Bichler of Luxembourg.
Khuraijam Athouba had earlier on Friday spoken at the ‘General Debate Item-5 of the 54th UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva on the situation in Manipur unrest and highlighted the issue of illegal migrants and narco-terrorism.
On Sunday, Athouba spoke on the emergence of various narco-terrorist groups in NE India, their involvement in escalating the conflict situation and its impact on the indigenous peoples Meiteis and Nagas.
His speech is reproduced below in verbatim.
“The issue of mercenaries operating in global conflicts presents a grave concern that not only challenges the backdrop principles of human rights but also obstructs the inherent rights of the peoples of self determination.
Nowhere is the urgency of this matter more pronounced than in the region like North east India where the influence of mercenaries had exacted a particular devastating toll in recent times.
In the Northeastern part of India, a region steep in historical diversity and cultural richness, various narco-terrorists groups have resorted to recruiting mercenaries to advance their objective. The inclusion of mercenaries in these conflicts has further complicated the already integrated socio-political landscape resulting in grave human rights violations and the disruption of the peace process.
An illustrative case is the recent outbreak of violence in the state of Manipur where a significant number of fatalities occurred. Out of the 175 reported casualties to the date, a distressing several of them remain unidentified highlighting the involvement of mercenaries employed by narco-terrorists group during the recent upheaval.
These narco-terrorists groups through their utilisation of mercenaries have escalated the conflict and exacerbated tensions imposing heavy toll on the indigenous communities like the Meiteis and the Nagas etc. where they often find themselves on the frontline.
The deployment of mercenaries in this region is not only a violation of international law but also serves to intensify tensions, perpetuate human suffering and protect conflicts that could otherwise be resolved through peaceful means to effectively address this pressing issue.
It is imperative for the international community to forge close partnership with affected nations and communities. Such collaborations will encompass support for conflict resolution, peace building initiatives and safeguarding of human rights.”
