Over 50 eminent citizens from Northeast write to President over attack on Manipur activist

Guwahati: In a strongly worded letter, a group of women leaders, human rights activists, journalists, and concerned citizens from Northeast has called President Draupadi Murmu, to intervene urgently in the escalating violence and unrest in Manipur.

The appeal highlights a recent attack on Babloo Loitongbam, a renowned human rights defender from Manipur, which has sparked outrage among civil society groups.

The letter, signed by over 50 eminent citizens from across the Northeast, condemns the September 23 attack on Loitongbam’s residence in Imphal, where a mob of 50 young men threatened his family.

This attack followed a press conference by the Meitei Leepun, a group that falsely accused Loitongbam of collaborating with militant groups.

The activists assert that these threats are aimed at silencing voices advocating for peace and justice in Manipur.

The signatories emphasize the growing climate of fear in Manipur, where extremism and vigilantism have been on the rise.

They accuse the government, both at the state and central levels, of failing to control the violence that has plagued the region for over 17 months.

The letter states that the people of Manipur, already traumatized by ongoing conflict, cannot endure further violence and instability.

Loitongbam, who leads Human Rights Alert (HRA), is a widely respected figure in the fight for justice in Manipur.

Over the past three decades, he has been instrumental in challenging the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and securing justice for families impacted by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, including the Meitei families.

His work has brought cases before the Supreme Court of India, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice.

The letter questions the sincerity of recent "peace rhetoric" from government leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah.

The activists argue that peace cannot be achieved while violence and those who enable it go unchecked. They call on the President to ensure the safety of human rights defenders like Loitongbam, who advocate for peaceful coexistence and a fair resolution to the conflict.

The coalition urges immediate action to stop the violence and hold those responsible for perpetuating unrest accountable. They warn that failure to act will only deepen the crisis in Manipur, further endangering the lives of citizens and those who fight for justice.

The letter is endorsed by leading intellectuals, journalists, and activists from across the Northeast, including:

Dr. Roshmi Goswami, NE Women Leader/South Asians For Human Rights, Meghalaya/Assam

Angela Rangad, TUR, Meghalaya

Tarun Bhartiya, TUR, Meghalaya

Patricia Mukhim, Senior Journalist/Editor Shillong Times, Padmasree awardee, Meghalaya

Dr. Monisha Behal, NE Women Leader, Assam/NE

Sanjoy Hazarika, Author, Assam/Meghalaya

Prof. Udayon Misra, Retd. Professor/Intellectual, Assam

Prof. Tilottoma Misra, Retd. Professor/Intellectual, Assam

Dr. Amrita Gogoi, Academic, Assam

Dr. Walter Fernandes, Director NESRC/Intellectual, Assam

Chitra Ahanthem, Citizen, Manipur/New Delhi.

Seno Tsuhah, Feminist/Woman Leader, Nagaland

Ngaineikim Chairperson, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Manipur

Mary Beth Sanate, Women in Governance (WING-G), Manipur

Anurita Pathak, Feminist, Assam/NE

Rashmi Rekha, Feminist, Assam

Jarjum Gamlin Ete, Woman Leader, Arunachal Pradesh

Prof. Manorama Sharma, Retd. Professor NEHU/ Intellectual, Assam

Pradeep Phanjoubam, Senior Journalist Manipur

Dr. Indranee Dutta, Retd. Professor, Assam

Dr. Xonzoi Barbora, MASS, Assam

Prof. Amar Yumnam, Ex-Vice Chancellor Manipur University/ Centre For Economic & Social Studies, Hyderabad Manipur/Telangana

Paresh Malakar, Axom Nagarik Samaj, Assam

Maini Mahanta, Writer/Feminist, Assam

Bondita Mrina, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Assam

Indira Kangjam, Citizen, Manipur/New Delhi

Dr. Bhogtoram Mawroh, Academic, Meghalaya

Samhita Barooah, Assistant Prof. Tezpur University, Assam

Anjuman Ara, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Assam

Mayfereen Ryntathiang, Grassroots, Meghalaya

Dr. Moses Kharbithai, Academic, Meghalaya

Caldwell Manners, Communications/Documentary Photographer, Meghalaya

Wanpynhun Kharsati, Woman Leader, Meghalaya

Supriya Khound, Feminist, Assam

Abantee Dutta, Lawyer, Assam

Nilanju Dutta, Feminist, Assam

Nandita Deka, Lawyer, Assam

Khawlnunsangi, Women in Governance (WIN-G) Manipur

Sunita Akoijam, Citizen, Manipur

Achan Mungleng, Researcher, Manipur

Laxmi Chetri, Activist, Assam

Tongam Rina, Journalist, Arunachal Pradesh

Soumen Moulik, Citizen, Meghalaya/West Bengal

Gertrude Lamare, Researcher, Meghalaya

Rehana Rahman, Feminist, Assam

Swarna Rajagopalan, Citizen, Tamilnadu

Anupam Banerjee, Citizen, West Bengal

Shangnaidar Shangdar, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Manipur