Ukhrul, November 26, 2024: Several organizations from Manipur have submitted a memorandum to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, demanding immediate justice for the “Jakuradhor Massacre”. The memorandum, which was also sent to the Prime Minister of India and various international human rights organizations, was signed by Yelhoumee Phurup, Taragi Cheishu, Solidarity Offered Unitedly for a Lustrated Society, Youth Collective Manipur, Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity, Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, and the Manipur International Youth Centre.
The memorandum details the “Jakuradhor Massacre” where six Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), including women and children, were abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam, Manipur. It also highlights the prevailing law and order situation in the state and calls for swift justice for the victims and the prosecution of those responsible for the “premeditated” murder.
In addition to seeking justice, the document criticizes the state and central government’s failure to restore law and order, the reimposition of AFSPA in previously revoked areas, systemic violence against displaced persons, and sexual crimes targeting women and children. It points out that, since May 2023, more than 300 people have been killed and over 60,000 displaced. The memorandum also references the historical democratic pluralism of Manipur, the growing threats posed by illegal immigration, and the rise of poppy cultivation in Kuki inhabited areas.
Must read | Kuki Inpi Manipur Commends P. Chidambaram; Calls for CM N. Biren’s removal
The organizations accuse both the Manipur and Indian governments of complicity in the violence, citing their inability to control the conflict even after more than 18 months of turmoil. They also express concern over the authorities’ inaction in saving the six hostages and holding the perpetrators accountable. The killing of two other women, Mrs. Zosingkim and Mrs. Sapam Sofia, in the Jiribam and Bishnupur districts is also condemned, alongside calls for an end to violence against civilians, particularly women and children, under the guise of conflict.
The memorandum stresses that the murder of the six IDPs represents a clear violation of domestic and international law, specifically India’s Geneva Conventions Act, of 1960. The organizations urge the international community and the UN Secretary-General to exert pressure on India to prosecute the Kuki militants and ensure justice.
Additionally, the document listed several key demands, including the immediate arrest of those responsible for the crime, an independent judicial inquiry commission formation led by a retired Supreme Court judge, and a UN Special Rapporteur deployment to investigate the situation. It also calls for intervention from the Women and Child Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant bodies to ensure justice for the victims.
The civil bodies also accuse the Kuki militias of perpetrating a reign of terror across the state, involving illegal tax collection, attacks on truckers, kidnappings, looting, and murders on national highways, as well as undermining and oppressing minor tribes. The organizations assert that the Kuki Zo militias are exploiting their Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Indian government to act with impunity, and have even suppressed their own civil organizations’ efforts to speak out against the violence.
The memorandum further argues that the situation in Manipur has evolved beyond a civil conflict and is now the result of organized militia activities with transnational links. It accuses the Kuki armed groups of orchestrating violence to fuel ethnic divisions and destabilize the multicultural fabric of the state. Among other demands, the organizations call for the abolition of AFSPA, the restoration of the state’s federal powers, and the demilitarization of Manipur.
Also, check out| Tribal Youth Council issues Ultimatum to CM N Biren over Negligence of tribal communities
It may be mentioned that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the High Court of Manipur concerning the kidnapping and murder case for which the Court has directed all respondents to submit their reports and fixed the next hearing for November 25.
The PIL was filed by social worker RK Joysana in response to an “unsatisfactory” reply he received on his RTI application. The RTI has sought details of the steps taken by the government over the burning of homes and killing of members of the Meitei community in the ongoing conflict.
About The Author
