Manipur violence discussed at UNHRC side event in Geneva

Guwahati: The ongoing conflict in Manipur took centre stage at a side event during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva.

The session, titled ‘Manipur Crisis and Human Rights Situation in the Western South-East Asia (WESEA) Region,’ brought together activists and academics from India and Bangladesh to discuss the over 500-day-long crisis in the region.

The event was moderated by visiting professor at UK’s Aston University Elangbam Bishwajeet.

Panelists included working president of the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) Khuraijam Athouba, associate professor at Manipur’s D.M. University Arambam Noni, advisor to the Swiss-Bangladesh Women Association Dilara Malique and prominent human rights defender Punam Duhotia.

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In his presentation, Khuraijam Athouba offered a comprehensive analysis of the conflict’s root causes, citing unchecked immigration, cross-border insurgency, and the rise of ethnic tensions.

He claimed that 90 per cent of the attacks reported in Manipur were unprovoked assaults by Kuki militants, adding that foreign insurgent groups, such as the Zomi Revolutionary Army, were contributing to the unrest.

Athouba highlighted that the proliferation of illegal poppy cultivation has exacerbated the crisis, with Manipur’s forests being encroached upon by these illegal activities.

Arambam Noni emphasised the multi-ethnic character of Manipur and denounced the demands for an ethno-centric homeland as divisive and outdated.

He warned that ethnic politics, driven by a section of elites and academics, are deepening inter-community tensions and undermining Manipur’s pluralistic fabric.

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The other panelists, Dilara Malique and Punam Duhotia, addressed broader human rights issues in Bangladesh and the impact of mega-dam projects in Northeast India, respectively.

Concluding the session, Elangbam Bishwajeet appealed for an immediate end to the violence in Manipur and called for the safe release of the two youths allegedly held captive by Kuki militants.

The discussion underscored the need for a balanced approach to address human rights concerns in the region.