1. 2023 US Report: Significant abuses in Manipur post-May 2023 ethnic conflict outbreak.
2. Over 175 dead, and 60,000 were displaced amid the ongoing Meitei-Kuki-Zo tribal conflict.
3. Human Rights Report highlights violence and displacements in Manipur’s ethnic strife aftermath.
Imphal, April 23: The 2023 Human Rights Report by the United States State Department sheds light on significant abuses in Manipur, particularly following the outbreak of ethnic conflict in May 2023.
At least 175 people lost their lives, and over 60,000 were displaced due to ongoing conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.
The report details armed conflict, rapes, assaults, and the destruction of property, with activists and journalists reporting on the ground.
Criticism of Government Response
Criticism has been directed at the Indian government’s response, with the Supreme Court pointing out its ineffectiveness in halting the violence.
Security forces were deployed, daily curfews were implemented, and internet shutdowns were enforced in response to the escalating violence, as highlighted in the report.
Media Freedom and BBC Tax Surveys
The report also addresses concerns regarding media freedom and the BBC tax surveys. It notes a disturbing trend of violence against journalists, unjustified arrests, and the use of criminal libel laws to suppress dissent.
Tax authorities conducted searches at BBC offices, seizing equipment from journalists not involved in financial processes. These actions followed the release of a documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots titled “India: The Modi Question,” sparking controversy.
Also Read: Tripura’s CPIM Raises Concerns Over Polling Discrepancies in Letter to ECI
Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorism and Human Rights Violations
Human rights abuses in regions affected by terrorism, such as Jammu and Kashmir, are also highlighted. The report mentions extrajudicial actions by state agents and raises concerns about state-sponsored violence against individuals in other countries.
Notably, the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada is cited as indicative of such actions.
International Reprisals and Calls for Accountability
The report underscores allegations of reprisals by the Indian government against individuals abroad and calls for accountability.
It urges India to uphold its human rights obligations and commitments, emphasizing the importance of respecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
In light of these findings, Robert Gilchrist, a senior bureau official at the US State Department, emphasizes the need for India to adhere to its human rights obligations and commitments.
