The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) and Youth Collective Manipur (YCM) have issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations for immediate action to rescue six abducted civilians in Manipur, including women and children, following a violent encounter with suspected Kuki-Zo militants. This call to action underscores the severe escalation in violence in the region, with recent events involving abductions, extrajudicial killings, and arson.
TFM Report
In an urgent appeal submitted on November 13, 2024, the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) and Youth Collective Manipur (YCM) have sought the United Nations’ immediate intervention to locate and rescue six civilians reportedly abducted by Kuki militants in Manipur. The kidnapped individuals, who include women and young children, were taken after a violent incident on November 11, in which suspected militants attacked a police station in Jiribam district.
The appeal, directed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions, highlights concerns over escalating violence in Manipur and condemns the abduction as a violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. It requests swift action to safeguard the lives of those abducted and ensure accountability for these acts, which contravene the Geneva Conventions and other international protections for civilians.
Context and Background
According to MIYC and YCM, the crisis in Manipur, which intensified on May 3, 2023, has seen continuous violent attacks on civilians by Kuki militants. These attacks include extrajudicial killings, abductions, and incidents of torture, which have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. Most recently, a string of attacks led to the death of two civilians and significant destruction in the area.
The situation has become increasingly dire, with the abduction of six individuals from the Meitei community. Among the missing are Mrs. Yumlembam Rani Devi (60), Mrs. Telem Thoibi Devi (31) along with her 8-year-old daughter Telem Thajamanbi, and Mrs. Laishram Heitonbi Devi (25) with her two children, aged 2 and 8 months. These abductions have sparked serious concern, as MIYC and YCM fear for the safety of the hostages amidst ongoing violence and unrest.
The Call for UN Intervention
MIYC and YCM are urging the UN to immediately:
1. Investigate and Locate: Request that the Government of India conduct a full investigation into the abductions and determine the whereabouts of the missing civilians.
2. Appeal for Release: Call upon those responsible to ensure the immediate and safe release of the hostages.
3. Enforce Accountability: Hold perpetrators accountable under international human rights frameworks, including the Geneva Conventions.
4. Provide Humanitarian Support: Facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in affected areas, enhancing measures to prevent further abductions.
Grave Human Rights Violations
The appeal emphasizes that the abduction and targeting of civilians, particularly women and children, violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The targeting of innocent civilians as hostages is condemned as a serious violation under the Geneva Conventions, calling for swift action from international bodies to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of affected individuals in Manipur.
Rising Concerns and the Need for Accountability
MIYC and YCM further stress that the government’s lack of response has left the local population increasingly vulnerable, leading to heightened fear and insecurity. “The lives of innocent women and children are in grave danger,” the appeal states, reflecting the growing frustration and anxiety among Manipur’s communities.
The organisations reiterate the need for UN oversight and protection in Manipur, citing the continuing danger posed by armed groups, particularly as tensions remain high following multiple recent attacks. They also highlight the role of international law in preventing abuses and protecting the rights of civilians in conflict zones.
Concluding their appeal, MIYC and YCM request the UN Special Rapporteur to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the abducted civilians. Expressing faith in the United Nations’ commitment to upholding human rights, they underscore the need for immediate intervention to prevent further violence and preserve the dignity and safety of Manipur’s affected communities.
The urgent appeal was signed by MC Meetei, Coordinator of MIYC, and Yaiphaba Khumanthem, Coordinator of YCM, both emphasizing the importance of international support in light of the ongoing crisis.