New Delhi: The Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM) on Monday addressed a press conference in the national capital, alleging harassment of indigenous communities by Central Security Forces and the Assam Rifles amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
Speaking at the YMCA Tourist Hostel in Connaught Place, IPFM said they have submitted memoranda to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Governor of Manipur and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate intervention and action.
Chief Advisor of IPFM, Ashang Kasar, alleged that indigenous communities, particularly Nagas and Meiteis, are facing “multiple problems” and living in fear. “Today, our indigenous people are suffering. The forces meant to protect us are the ones our people are afraid of,” he said.
Referring to the incidents of February 8 and 9 in Litan, Ukhrul district, Kasar claimed that houses were burnt during curfew hours in the presence of security forces. “Twenty-five Tangkhul houses were set on fire in broad daylight. So tell me, where is the safety? If the Central Security Forces fail to protect us, how is our future safe?” he questioned.
The forum alleged that armed Kuki militants were openly moving with sophisticated weapons despite the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which, according to IPFM, restricts armed movement outside designated camps. “What is the agenda of the SoO? What is its aim and objective? We believed it was to bring peace and stability, but today kidnappings and threats are happening. We believe the SoO has become the root cause of the problem,” Kasar said, adding that a memorandum regarding the SoO was submitted to Amit Shah on February 18.
In its petition to the NHRC, IPFM alleged severe human rights violations against Tangkhul Nagas in Litan Sareikhong village since February 7, when a youth was allegedly assaulted, triggering ethnic clashes the following day. The memorandum claimed that Central forces acted in a partisan manner, guarding houses of one community while leaving others unprotected. The forum also alleged harassment and intimidation of women and submitted photographic evidence along with the complaint.
IPFM leaders further stated that representations were submitted to the Governor of Manipur on February 2 regarding the presence of illegal villages and to the National Commission for Women concerning alleged harassment of women.
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Another speaker at the press conference said, “Everyone deserves to live in peace. We do not want formalities; we want the reality to be checked. If the Prime Minister does not intervene, who will take responsibility? If we don’t clean the system, the system will clear us. This is the time for justice. Please intervene and take necessary action.”
Concluding the briefing, Kasar said, “We came to Delhi with hope. We are shocked at the way the security forces have acted. We request the Government of India to respond and ensure justice for our people.”