New Delhi, February 23: The Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM) on Monday held a press conference in the national capital, alleging harassment of indigenous communities by Central Security Forces and the Assam Rifles amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
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| IPFM Chief Advisor Ashang Kasar addresses a press conference in New Delhi, raising concerns over the situation in Manipur. |
Addressing the media at the YMCA Tourist Hostel in Connaught Place, IPFM leaders said memoranda have been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Governor of Manipur and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate intervention.
Chief Advisor of IPFM, Ashang Kasar, alleged that indigenous communities, particularly Nagas and Meiteis, are facing “multiple problems” and living in fear. “Today, our indigenous people are suffering. The forces meant to protect us are the ones our people are afraid of,” he said.
Referring to incidents on February 8 and 9 in Litan, Ukhrul district, Kasar claimed that 25 Tangkhul houses were set ablaze during curfew hours in the presence of security personnel. “If the Central Security Forces fail to protect us, how is our future safe?” he questioned.
The forum also alleged that armed Kuki militants were moving openly with sophisticated weapons despite the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which, according to IPFM, restricts armed movement outside designated camps. Kasar questioned the intent and implementation of the SoO, claiming that kidnappings and threats continue despite the agreement. He said a memorandum on the issue was submitted to the Union Home Minister on February 18.
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In its petition to the NHRC, IPFM alleged serious human rights violations against Tangkhul Nagas in Litan Sareikhong village since February 7, when a youth was allegedly assaulted, triggering ethnic tensions. The forum claimed that Central forces acted in a partisan manner by guarding houses of one community while leaving others vulnerable. It also alleged harassment and intimidation of women and said photographic evidence was submitted with the complaint.
IPFM leaders further stated that representations were made to the Governor of Manipur on February 2 regarding the presence of illegal villages and to the National Commission for Women over alleged harassment of women.
Concluding the press conference, Kasar said the delegation had come to Delhi with hope and urged the Government of India to respond swiftly and ensure justice for affected communities.
