A coalition of women leaders, human rights activists, peace advocates, journalists, community representatives, and concerned citizens from Northeast India has submitted a memorandum to President of India Draupadi Murmu, demanding immediate action to address the alarming security situation in Manipur, where unchecked extremism and violent vigilantism have surged under the Biren Singh government.
The memorandum expresses outrage over a recent attack on Babloo Loitongbam, a highly respected human rights defender in Manipur. On September 23, a mob of approximately 50 young men threatened Loitongbam’s family, warning of dire consequences if he was seen in public. This intimidation followed a press conference by members of the Meitei Leepun (ML), who made baseless accusations against him. Such incidents, the memorandum asserts, are attempts to silence voices advocating for justice and peace in the region.
Loitongbam is recognized for his tireless work as a human rights lawyer and for leading the organization Human Right Alert (HRA), which provides legal assistance to those in need. He has long campaigned against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958, seeking justice for families affected by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The memorandum questions the motivations of those targeting him and calls for accountability for the alleged perpetrators and their threats.
The signatories argue that this incident is symptomatic of a broader crisis in Manipur, where the state has failed to uphold governance and security. They highlight the contradiction between recent peace rhetoric from government officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, and the reality of escalating violence. The memorandum challenges the notion that peace can be achieved while those who incite violence act with impunity.
The signatories demand that the central government take decisive steps to ensure safety and security for all citizens, particularly for individuals like Loitongbam, who advocate for peaceful coexistence. They assert that voices calling for justice cannot be silenced and call for an environment where citizens can live free from fear and coercion.
The memorandum has garnered support from a diverse group of individuals from Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and also those living in Hyderabad and New Delhi.
As the situation remains tense, the citizens of Manipur hope for a swift and effective response from the government to address their pressing issues and restore stability to the region.
