Call for Immediate and Impartial Investigation into Ongoing Killings during Ethnic Clashes in Manipur

31.05.2023.

East and South Asia team

Global Human Rights Defense

On 28 May 2023 violence has been renewed  between the ethnic Meitei and Kuki communities (HRW, 30 May 2023). United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged the Indian government to “respond to the situation quickly, including by investigating and addressing root causes of the violence in line with their international human rights obligations.”

The clashes erupted after protests by tribal groups against granting protected status to the Meitei community on 3 May 2023, leading to tensions and violence between various ethnic and religious groups (The Indian Express, 4 May 2023; HRW, 30 May 2023). Violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur have resulted in at least 70 deaths, 35,000 people displaced, and over 1,700 houses destroyed (Wire, 9 May 2023; Hindustan Times, 16 May 2023). The situation has been exacerbated by political and religious divisions, with accusations of targeted attacks on Kuki properties, businesses, and churches by groups affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) (HRW, 30 May 2023). The chief minister, N. Biren Singh, claims that security forces have killed 40 alleged militants from the Kuki community, although local groups dispute this (HRW, 30 May 2023).

The violence prompted the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk to urge the Indian government to address the root causes of the violence and respect human rights obligations (UN OHCHR, 24 May 2023). It is crucial to investigate and hold those responsible and work towards restoring order in a rights-respecting manner, as emphasized by numerous human rights obligations under international law.

REFERENCES

HRW. (30 May 2023). India: Investigate Police Bias Alleged in Manipur Violence. Available at https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/30/india-investigate-police-bias-alleged-manipur-violence

UN OHCHR. (24 May 2023). Türk: “There should be a UN Human Rights Office everywhere.” Available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2023/05/turk-there-should-be-un-human-rights-office-everywhere 

Wire. (9 May 2023). Manipur CM Says 60 Dead, 35,000 Displaced in Violence. Available at https://thewire.in/government/manipur-cm-says-60-dead-35000-displaced-in-violence 

Hindustan Times. (16 May 2023). Manipur violence: Hit by clashes, many continue to move to neighbouring states. Available at https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/7900-displaced-residents-from-violence-hit-manipur-seek-shelter-in-mizoram-and-assam-following-ethnic-clashes-101684177208318.html 

The Indian Express. (4 May 2023). Protest against ST demand turns violent in Manipur, curfew imposed in entire state. Available at https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/curfew-internet-curbs-after-manipur-protest-against-meiteis-st-tag-demand-turns-violent-85901