The All Manipur Chakpa Lois (SC) Community Development Association president Khwairakpam Amujao has filed a complaint with the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), seeking urgent intervention to address the ongoing ethnic violence in the state.
The complaint highlights the alarming situation faced by both the innocent Meitei and Kuki communities, particularly members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) belonging to the Meitei community, who have fallen victim to attacks and suffered significant property damage.
The president alleged that since May 3, the ethnic violence has resulted in the burning of numerous houses, causing injuries and displacing several innocent individuals from both communities.
Many affected victims, including SC farmers, have sought safety in relief camps, unable to cultivate their land due to the prevailing ethnic tensions, he said.
He further claimed that these farmers face regular threats from suspected extremist/militant groups belonging to the Kuki community.
Urging immediate action to prevent further loss of innocent lives, the president requested a comprehensive investigation into the matter, enhanced security measures.
He also pleaded for the deployment of state and central forces to effectively control the suspected armed Kuki militants and protect the innocent members of both communities.
The complainant has implored the MHRC to recommend the appropriate authorities to register FIRs regarding the killings, injuries, and missing persons from the SC community and other affected communities.
Additionally, the president called for the provision of relief materials and ex-gratia compensation to all affected individuals, including those from the SC community, after thorough verification of their nationality.
The president further alleged inaction by both the central and state authorities in rebuilding the damaged houses and properties, particularly those belonging to the SC communities.
The complaint also questioned the nature and manner of deployment of the Assam Rifles and other central forces in relation to the suspected Kuki Militants, highlighting concerns of human rights violations and negligence in preventing such violations by the authorities.
Taking cognizance of the seriousness of the matter, the MHRC has issued notices to the government of Manipur, the Union of India represented by the secretary of Home Affairs and the Director General of Assam Rifles IGR South.
The Commission expected the respondents to address the allegations raised by the complainant and provide a detailed plan of action to halt the killings, protect innocent lives, and prevent the destruction of houses by the suspected Kuki extremist/militant groups operating under the guise of ethnic tensions in Manipur.
