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Intimidating and harassment of HRD Babloo Loitongbam

https://sabrangindia.in/meitei-leepun-threatens-human-rights-defender-babloo-loitongbam-over-alleged-ties-to-the-kuki-community-visits-his-home-to-intimidate-his-family/

In July 2023, Mr. Babloo Loitongbam, representing the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM) and Human Rights Alert (HRA), addressed the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva. He highlighted ongoing human rights abuses in Manipur, including the state's prolonged use of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Babloo criticized the Union Home Ministry for denying prosecution approval despite evidence of abuses and urged the UN to declare AFSPA incompatible with international human rights standards.

He also shed light on the violent conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, calling for accountability and international action. Babloo stressed the Indian government’s failure to protect Manipur's citizens, noting widespread human rights violations across gender, age, religion, and ethnicity.

Following his activism, Babloo faced threats and violence. On October 5, 2023, his home in Imphal was attacked by 30 unidentified individuals after a boycott call by Meitei Leepun (ML), a radical cultural organization. In September 2024, ML accused Babloo of colluding with the Kuki community, facilitating their activities, and securing foreign funding. They further accused him of harboring militants and warned him of repercussions.

On September 23, 2024, fifty men threatened Babloo’s family, cautioning them of the consequences if he continued his public engagements. Human Rights Defenders Alert (HRDA) condemned the threats, citing violations of Babloo’s constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, and profession under Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. HRDA views the targeting of Babloo as an act of reprisal against his human rights advocacy.

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

  • To direct the Director General of Police of Manipur to ensure complete physical and psychological protection to Mr. Babloo Loitongbam and his family and safeguard his property and give it in writing to the honourable commission within 48 hours.
  • To direct the Director General of Investigation of the NHRC to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry regarding repeated threats, intimidation and vandalism of Mr. Loitongbam and his home and submit the report to NHRC.
  • Bring this case to the attention of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee which was set up by the Supreme Court of India to enquire into the human rights violation in state of Manipur.

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