NNN
Imphal, May 6
A two-member delegation of the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN (CSCHR) attended the recently concluded 14th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) held at the UN Headquarters in New York from April 20 to May 1.
According to a press statement released by CSCHR, Jiten Yumnam and Pushpa Koijam of the Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur, a constituent member organisation of the CSCHR, attended the session. The two delegates intervened on two agendas, Human Rights and Future Works, during the PFII session. PFII also attended the Intergovernmental negotiations on follow-up and review of Financing for Development and Post-2015 Means of Implementation, scheduled on April 23 and UNHQ.The participants deliberated the persistence of armed conflict situation in Manipur and the military response of the Government of India to the political demands of indigenous people of Manipur, which has led to promulgation of emergency legislations like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) and extensive militarization in Manipur. Both the participants, during their interventions, highlighted the extensive abuse of AFSPA 1958 and how the indigenous people of Manipur are being subjected to human rights violations with impunity. The application of the Act in the state has violated the ‘Right to Life’ and ‘Right to Justice Remedy’, as outlined in Article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Pushpa Koijam highlighted the persisting impacts of militarisation on women and children in Manipur, such as the infamous case of the rape and murder of one Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17th Assam Rifles on July 11 2014 and the subsequent failure to punish those involved in the inhumane violation. She also narrated about the discovery of eight human skulls and skeletal remains on December 25 last year along with other human remains from Tombisana High School in the heart of Imphal city, and the continued failure of the Indian Government to investigate on the said matter.
Jiten Yumnam also highlighted how militarisation is associated with introduction of ‘unsustainable’ development projects, as evident by the militarisation of Mapithel Dam site, Loktak Project site etc.
The press release further stated that both the participants recommended that the Govt of India should fully implement the UN Declaration on the rights of the indigenous people, 2007 which recognised the political rights of all indigenous people. They also urged the UN Forum to urge the Govt of India to repeal AFSPA 1958.
Further, Jiten and Pushpa also urged upon the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to consider the ‘Impacts of Militarisation on Indigenous people’s land and territories’, as the special themes of the next session of the Forum to be held in 2016. They also request the Forum to urge upon Member States of the United Nations, especially the Government of India to end all forms of militarisation in the land and territories of indigenous people, including Manipur.
