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Journalism of Courage
The United Nations Human Rights (UNHR) has taken cognizance of the attack on Manipuri rights activist Babloo Loitongbam’s residence in Imphal on Thursday by unidentified persons. The attack comes in light of statements that Loitongbam had made in an interview, where he pointed out the militarisation of the Meitei community, as well as the rise of the Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun groups.
“We are alarmed by threats to human rights defender Babloo Loitongbam by Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol groups in Manipur for speaking out on violence since May. We urge authorities to protect him, his family and home, and hold perpetrators accountable,’’ said the UNHR in a tweet on Friday.
A mob had vandalised Loitongbam’s home in Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai, Imphal West district on Thursday evening. No one was injured. Loitongbam has been out of Imphal.
On Thursday, members of Meitei Leepun issued a boycott call against Loitongbam and former police officer Thounaojam Brinda — both from the Meitei community — directing them to not appear on public platforms till the ongoing conflict was resolved.
Speaking to reporters, Lanjing Hanjaba of Meetei Leepun alleged that Loitongbam and Thounaojam had “falsely accused” the organisation of igniting the violence. Terming the allegations baseless, Hanjaba had warned that both Loitongbam and Brinda would be “held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from violation of the restrictions”.
Meanwhile, the World Organisation Against Torture issued a statement on Wednesday expressing concern over “credible reports of excessive use of force and use of pellet guns by security forces” during student protests, which left 170 injured in Manipur.
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