Volker Türk, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palais Wilson, 52 rue des Pâquis, CH-1201 Geneva

Dear High Commissioner,

We wish to express our deep concerns regarding the recent press release issued by Special Rapporteurs, also known as Special Procedures Mandate Holders, on 4 September 2023, titled "India: UN experts alarmed by continuing abuses in Manipur." We have carefully examined the content of this press release and are troubled by its one-sided perspective, which we believe undermines the credibility of the United Nations and perpetuates divisiveness in an already fragile situation.

The press release fails to represent the complexity of the ongoing conflict in Manipur and provides a skewed view of the issues at hand. We acknowledge the efforts made by the United Nations in promoting social justice, global peace, cooperation, and justice. However, we urge you to reevaluate the aforementioned press release to ensure that it accurately represents all relevant viewpoints and takes into account the diverse perspectives involved in the issue.

Several key points need to be addressed to rectify the imbalance present in the press release:

1. Absence of Religious Conflict: The conflict in Manipur is not rooted in religious differences but is primarily a result of illicit drug trafficking and aggression by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups. Labeling the violence as religious is unfounded, as the Meetei community has a harmonious relationship with other communities in the region.

2. Human Rights Violations and Ethnic Cleansing: The press release overlooks the ethnic cleansing of the Meetei community in Chin-Kuki-dominated areas, displacing tens of thousands of people and causing immense suffering.

3. Endangered Meetei Community: The Meetei community, constituting an ethnic minority in India, is facing an existential threat and is gradually becoming a 'micro-minority' in the region.

4. Hate Speech: The statement regarding hate speech does not accurately represent the involvement of specific sections of communities in the ongoing conflict. Generalizations can exacerbate tensions and hinder reconciliation efforts.

5. Nexus of trans-border migration, Chin-Kuki militant groups, and narcotics: The conflict in Manipur is deeply intertwined with trans-border migration, narcotics, and the activities of armed Chin-Kuki militant groups, demanding a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request the following actions to be taken:

a. Reevaluation of the Press Release: 
We urge you to conduct a thorough review of the press release to ensure that it accurately reflects the complexities of the situation and avoids one-sided narratives.

b. Issuance of a Revised Press Release: 
We request the issuance of a revised press release that presents a balanced and comprehensive understanding of the matter, considering the principles of fairness and objectivity.

We firmly believe that addressing these issues promptly and transparently is crucial to maintaining the United Nations' credibility as a neutral and objective international organization. The UN must continue to be a beacon of fairness and justice for all, free from any perception of bias or partiality.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust in your commitment to upholding the values of impartiality, inclusivity, and justice in all UN initiatives.

Sincerely,

World Meetei Council

PS: Your support matters! Please sign the petition

The full version of the petition is available @ https://www.worldmeeteicouncil.com/request-for-review-and-rectify-the-04-september-spmh/