Imphal : A brief report of Manipur which has been embroiled in an ethnic conflict since May 3, 2023, fought between the Meiteis and Kukis has been highlighted in the ongoing 54th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday, September 19. The session started on September 11 and would conclude on October 13.

Representatives of the two warring communities presented their views in the ongoing session.Khuraijam Athouba, Vice President of the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and spokesperson of COCOMI representing the Meiteis later told the newsmen at Imphal over the phone that he was given only 2 minute’s time to deliver his speech whereas L Haokip, a female representative of the Kuki-Zo was given around 7 minutes.

Kh. Athouba said that he had informed the parliament session on the ongoing communal violence in Manipur state (India) which was not based on religious issues as accepted by the Western countries as highlighted by the Kukis-Zo communities in the international scenario.

The real cause of the violence is narco-terrorism to which Churachandpur district of Manipur state has been reduced to a new hub of the notorious Golden Triangle.

The communal carnage erupted in the Churachandpur district on May 3 in which over 19 villages belonging to the Meiteis were destroyed. Besides, the churches belonging to the Meiteis were also burnt down by the Kuki Christians in the clashes.

The Meiteis have around 8 lakh population whereas the Christian communities in the state have around 12 lakh in Manipur.

L Haokip in her turn told the parliament that the Indian government is apparently turning a blind eye to the communal clashes that entered 139 days on September 19, 2023.She said that around 650 cases have been filed so far with the police and 300 people were killed. Over 60,000 people are being displaced by the violence.

Guns were looted by the Meitei terrorists and several tribal women were raped in the violence. Over 360 houses in the Churachandpur district were burnt down. But the government is yet to take action in this matter. Concerning the 2 minutes given to him, Kh Athouba said that as the session is ongoing, more time would be available for him to highlight the Manipur issues in the upcoming session.

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