Blatant disregard for SC directives to safeguard displaced persons assets is clear indication of breakdown of constitutional mechanisms in Manipur: KIM

The Kuki Inpi Manipur(KIM) on Friday stated that the blatant disregard for Supreme Court’s directive to safeguard assets of displaced persons by the residents of Imphal valley is a clear indication of the breakdown of constitutional mechanisms in Manipur.

The apex body of the Kukis stated that they take strong exception to the illegal occupation and confiscation of homes and properties belonging to Kukis who were forcibly displaced from their residences in Imphal Valley.

KIM stated, “It has come to our attention that these properties are now under the control of Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs), including the Arambai Tenggol faction, and are being utilized as operating centers for anti-national activities, such as looting and killing within the valley, and for the ongoing attacks on the Kukis in the Meitei-Kuki border areas”.

Regarding the issue of the houses and properties of displaced persons (IDPs), KIM stated that the Supreme Court issued a directive on September 25, 2023, instructing the Government of Manipur to safeguard the assets. This directive aimed to protect those affected by ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3, 2023. However, the blatant disregard for the Supreme Court's directive is a clear indication of the breakdown of constitutional mechanisms within the state of Manipur, it added.

Despite the failure of the Manipur State government and the overall collapse of state governance, it is deeply troubling that such unlawful actions continue to occur under the watchful eyes of Central Security Forces, stated the release.

Similarly, it is profoundly concerning that the anti-national leadership of Manipur State and the majoritarian persecution continue to represent the Government of India, says KIM.

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's noble call for "one earth, one family, one future", it is ironic that Manipur remains deeply fragmented due to the indecision of the Central Government to effectively mitigate the grave issues of the Human Rights Crisis in Manipur, stated the release.

The release further stated that the situation highlights a serious breach of legal and moral obligations of the Government of India and underscores the urgent need for accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

The failure to address these violations not only perpetuates injustice but also undermines the trust of the people in governmental institutions and the judicial system, it added.

It is imperative that swift and decisive actions be taken to rectify these injustices and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of belonging to the majority or the minority, and without succumbing to the hunger for political gains, stated the release.