Ukhrul, Sep 27: A coalition of over 45 concerned women leaders, human rights activists, journalists, and citizens from North East have expressed their outrage over recent threats made against Babloo Loitongbam, a prominent human rights defender from Manipur. In a memorandum addressed to the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, the group called for immediate action to address the escalating violence in Manipur.
In a memorandum submitted to the President, the group expressed outrage over a mob attack that occurred on September 23, 2024, when approximately 50 young men reportedly threatened Loitongbam’s family at their residence. The assailants warned that dire consequences would follow if Babloo was seen in public. This incident followed a press conference held by members of the Meitei Leepun (ML), who made false accusations against Loitongbam and discouraged collaboration with him. This is not the first time the human rights lawyer has faced threats; his home has previously been vandalized by similar groups.
Related news | Babloo Loitongbam Refutes Meitei Leepun; says family threatened by 50 men at his residence in Imphal
Loitongbam, a highly respected lawyer, is the founder of Human Rights Alert (HRA), which provides legal assistance to those in need. He has long advocated for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and has fought for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
The memorandum also highlighted that this incident is not merely an isolated case but a troubling indicator of the broader climate of fear and violence in Manipur. The signatories called attention to the failure of both the state and central governments to ensure safety and security for all citizens, particularly those who champion justice and peace.
Also read | UN raises alarm over threats to human rights activist Babloo Loitangbam in Manipur
“We are alarmed by the escalating violence and intimidation tactics that target voices calling for peaceful coexistence,” the memorandum stated. “It is imperative that the government confronts the enablers of violence and guarantees the safety of human rights defenders like Babloo Loitongbam.”
The group stressed that the citizens of Manipur deserve to live without fear and coercion, calling for decisive action from the central government to hold accountable those who perpetuate violence. They expressed concerns that without such accountability, any efforts toward peace could be undermined. “The State is responsible for the security and safety of all its citizens but especially of people like Babloo Loitongbam who speak for justice and peaceful solutions”, the memorandum added. The activists further urged the central government to take decisive action against those perpetuating violence and to create an environment where dialogue and justice can flourish.
Also read | Meitei Leepun boycotts former cop Thounaojam Brinda & Activist Babloo Loitongbam
The names of endorsers attached to the statement are listed below:
Dr. Roshmi Goswami, NE Women Leader/South Asians For Human Rights, Meghalaya/Assam
Angela Rangad, TUR, Meghalaya
Tarun Bhartiya, TUR, Meghalaya
Patricia Mukhim, Senior Journalist/Editor Shillong Times, Padmasree awardee, Meghalaya
Dr. Monisha Behal, NE Women Leader, Assam/NE
Sanjoy Hazarika, Author, Assam/Meghalaya
Prof. Udayon Misra, Retd. Professor/Intellectual, Assam
Prof. Tilottoma Misra, Retd. Professor/Intellectual, Assam
Dr. Amrita Gogoi, Academic, Assam
Dr. Walter Fernandes, Director NESRC/Intellectual, Assam
Chitra Ahanthem, Citizen, Manipur/New Delhi.
Seno Tsuhah, Feminist/Woman Leader, Nagaland
Ngaineikim Chairperson, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Manipur
Mary Beth Sanate, Women in Governance (WING-G), Manipur
Anurita Pathak, Feminist, Assam/NE
Rashmi Rekha, Feminist, Assam
Jarjum Gamlin Ete, Woman Leader, Arunachal Pradesh
Prof. Manorama Sharma, Retd. Professor NEHU/ Intellectual, Assam
Pradeep Phanjoubam, Senior Journalist Manipur
Dr. Indranee Dutta, Retd. Professor, Assam
Dr. Xonzoi Barbora, MASS, Assam
Prof. Amar Yumnam, Ex- Vice Chancellor Manipur University/ Centre For Economic & Social Studies, Hyderabad Manipur/Telengana
Paresh Malakar, Axom Nagarik Samaj, Assam
Maini Mahanta, Writer/Feminist, Assam
Bondita Mrina, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Assam
Indira Kangjam, Citizen, Manipur/New Delhi
Dr. Bhogtoram Mawroh, Academic, Meghalaya
Samhita Barooah, Assistant Prof. Tezpur University, Assam
Anjuman Ara, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Assam
Mayfereen Ryntathiang, Grassroots, Meghalaya
Dr. Moses Kharbithai, Academic, Meghalaya
Caldwell Manners, Communications/Documentary Photographer, Meghalaya
Wanpynhun Kharsati, Woman Leader, Meghalaya
Supriya Khound, Feminist, Assam
Abantee Dutta, Lawyer, Assam
Nilanju Dutta, Feminist, Assam
Nandita Deka, Lawyer, Assam
Khawlnunsangi, Women in Governance (WIN-G) Manipur
Sunita Akoijam, Citizen, Manipur
Achan Mungleng, Researcher, Manipur
Laxmi Chetri, Activist, Assam
Tongam Rina, Journalist, Arunachal Pradesh
Soumen Moulik, Citizen, Meghalaya/West Bengal
Gertrude Lamare, Researcher, Meghalaya
Rehana Rahman, Feminist, Assam
Swarna Rajagopalan, Citizen, Tamilnadu
Anupam Banerjee, Citizen, West Bengal
Shangnaidar Shangdar, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Manipur
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