Newmai News Network
Imphal | MAY 3
Citizens Committee Manipur (CCM) today welcomed the judgment of the High Court of Manipur upholding the human rights of seven Myanmar nationals, who entered India “secretly” to travel to New Delhi to seek protection from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Pau Khan Thawn (journalist), Cing San Lun (journalist), Si Thu Aung (journalist), Niang Go Man, Nang Sian Mung (10 years), NangKhan Hau (9 years) and Dim Sian Huai Nuam (5 years) fled Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021 and consequent upon their media and news service Mizzima being banned, stated a press note issued by CCM Convenor Babloo Loitongbam.
The statement also said that these Myanmar nationals had been hiding at Moreh until they were brought to Imphal as per an order of the High Court on April 20, 2021.
CCM said that it “continues to be deeply concerned” about the plight of the other thousands of Myanmar nationals taking shelter in the bordering villages of Manipur without any support and protection other than the hospitality and warmth of the poor villagers.
It further stated that in the last two weeks, the “generous citizens of Manipur” responded with utmost magnanimity to the appeal of the Humanitarian Sub-Committee of CCM, and this has made it possible to reach some basic needs such as food, clothing, medicine and utensils in four villages in Kamjong district, three villages in Tengnoupal district and three villages in Churachandpur district covering more than five hundred refugees. “But this local private humanitarian effort is grossly inadequate to meet the growing needs on the ground,” it added.
Therefore, the CCM urged the Government to Manipur and the Government of India to take the constitutional and human rights obligations to protect these pepole more seriously in line with the judgement pronounced by the High Court on Monday. “They should also consider giving unhindered access to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to offer their mandated humanitarian services,” CCM added.
