Imphal: The Manipur International Youth Centre wants an immediate end to civilian attacks. President Mk. Saroj Khan issued a statement condemning the violence that has plagued the state since May 3, 2023. This conflict has left people dead, injured, and displaced. Homes and public property lie in ruins.
The group rejects all violence against non-combatants, regardless of ethnic or political ties. They argue that territorial goals never justify killing civilians. They pointed to the Geneva Conventions. "Political or territorial objectives cannot justify violence against non-combatants," the MIYC stated. They specifically cited Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and India's Geneva Conventions Act of 1960 to highlight the illegal nature of these acts.
Women and children face the worst of this fighting. The MIYC demands independent investigations into sexual violence, abductions, and arson. They also want an end to highway blockades that choke off food and medicine. Humanitarian access is not a bargaining chip.
Governments in India and Manipur must protect citizens and prosecute offenders. Law enforcement and human rights groups need to start documenting every violation. Justice requires impartiality. All armed actors must stop burning homes and kidnapping people to address political disputes through peace instead.
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