The Komite Esperansa or Committee of Hope, a political movement consisting of students, precarious youth, landless people and workers in Timor-Leste, has extended solidarity to the people of Manipur affected by the prevailing crisis.
The committee, in a release on Wednesday, briefed about the political status of Manipur, from the geographical size of the state to pre and post independence from the mighty British and forceful annexation of the state to India.
It also mentioned some of the UG outfits of the state striving to restore the state’s lost sovereignty. It claimed that the Government of India deployed intense militarisation to suppress and control the Manipur Uprising and declared the state as a disturbed area under the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 in 1981, leading to high level of militarisation in Manipur.
It also highlighted the alleged partisan role of Indian security establishments in containing the ongoing violence in the state. It noted the demand for withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur, adding that it is among the most important issues raised by the Meitei youths, mothers and civil organisations.
It reflected on media reports of several people sustaining injuries and killed due to firing allegedly by the Indian Paramilitary forces (the Assam Rifles) at Kadangband, Phayeng in Imphal West district and Kakching district. It mentioned that three Rapid Action Force personnel were also suspended for allegedly trying to ablaze a house belonging to Naga conglomerate.
It asserted that the Meitei villages of Sugnu, Serou Phougakchao Ikhai, Leimakhong, etc., were burned down by Kuki militants despite the heavy presence of Indian security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles during the violence. It added that protests were held by womenfolk against the Indian Army’s alleged partisan role and aggravation of the conflict by boycotting their passage and raising slogans, such as, ‘Go Back Indian Army from Manipur’.
It further alleged that the Jat Regiment of the Indian Army deployed in Imphal were responsible for violently harassing three media persons and even assaulted several firemen of the state Fire Department, who came to douse the fire set by a mob in the central valley on May 22, 2023.
The committee also underlined the military Impact on the life of Indigenous women. They are allegedly physically harassed by Indian Security forces whenever they hold democratic protests and also face the socio-cultural pressure of the society, it lamented.
It asserted that military occupancy in the rural side has a direct impact on the free movement of indigenous women in search of fruits, vegetables, woods and fishing for their livelihood. Confronting the military and earnings for the livelihood simultaneously is a big challenge for indigenous women, it maintained.
It elucidated the current situation in the state in September, highlighting the recent drone bombings carried out by the Kuki militants September 1. It condemned that these attacks, which have resulted in loss of life, injury, and destruction of property, constitute acts of terrorism and war crimes and are a clear breach of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols.
The use of drones by the Kuki militants to drop bombs on civilian areas in Manipur is a textbook example of an indiscriminate attack, violating Article 51(4) of Additional Protocol I, which states that ‘indiscriminate attacks are prohibited’, it maintained.
The Kuki militants’ actions also violate Article 3 Common to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits violence against civilians, including murder, mutilation, and cruel treatment, it said adding that the drone bombings may be considered a form of collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, it stated.
It further urged the international community to take immediate action to address this crisis, provide humanitarian assistance to the affected population and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. It expressed concern for the Meitei community, stating that it is very critical as people are not allowed to move freely on the highways due to the conflicting situations.
It appealed to the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Manipur, advocate for human rights, support peaceful dialogue, and work to ensure safety and equality among the people of the state. It added that the Committee of Hope condemns violence against civilians and calls for an end to the ongoing occupation and oppression.