Dimapur Jan 19 (MExN): Expressing serous concern over the reported forcible occupation of certain villages under Tipaimukh Sub-division, Churachandpur District by the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) the Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Delhi Cell has asked the militant organization to immediately vacate the villages they have been occupying.
The Media Department, Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Delhi Cell, maintained that that the occupation has caused immense hardship to the innocent villagers and completely paralyzed the entire villages’ life and activities.
“As if the death of innocent civilians in the shootout between the UNLF and HPC (D) at Parbung on January 6 were not enough, reports emanating from the area said that the militants were laying complete siege on the village and did not let the injured be evacuated for medical attention” the ZHRF alleged. It strongly affirmed that that every human being was endowed with the natural right to lead a peaceful and undisturbed life and in this regard, no authority was high enough and no force strong enough to disturb this right to peaceful life.
“Every human being, both state and non-state actors, therefore must respect and adhere to the basic law of human rights” it maintained.
While calling upon the UNLF to immediately vacate the villages they have been occupying, the Cell also expressed surprise that the Government of Manipur had chosen to remain silent in the face of such hardships suffered by the defenseless and hapless villagers.
Reminding the Manipur Government that “an act of silence is an act of complicity” the ZHRF asked the Government to protect and safeguard the rights of its people, and take urgent steps to alleviate the suffering of the innocent villagers.
