Imphal: The indigenous Meeteis in Manipur have been under attack for months and thousands of them have been displaced from the Kuki-dominated areas in Churachandpur, Moreh and other villages adjoining the hill districts where Meeteis form the minority, the World Meetei Council told the United Nations Organisation.
The Meeteis is an indigenous tribe of Manipur, inhabiting mainly the valley and surrounding hill districts of the erstwhile ancient kingdom since time immemorial. However, in the past few months we have been attacked by the Kukis, the Council said in a letter addressed to the Secretary-General, United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday last.
Drawing the attention of the New-York-based International body to the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region since May 3, the Singjamei-based Meetei body said Manipur has been grappling with this humanitarian emergency over the last few months, although incidences of violence can be traced from earlier months.
“It is with the utmost concern that we highlight this present crisis, and we are compelled to remind you of the historic commitment made by the international community. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, serves as a foundational document that affirms the rights and protections the indigenous communities worldwide,” the Council said in its letter.
Stating that the principles enshrined in UNDRIP are a guiding force during these challenging times, the Council implored the United Nations to uphold the spirit of UNDRIP and intervene to address the dire circumstances our community has been facing.
The declaration’s principles resonate with our situation emphasizing the importance of indigenous rights, protection from violence, and the right to live in dignity and peace, the letter added.
It said Meeteis are currently facing the most serious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law which are clearly defined under Articles 6 and 7 of the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court.
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