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The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has released a scathing 694-page report on the ethnic violence in Manipur, concluding that the events of May 3, 2023, were not spontaneous but meticulously planned, ethnically targeted, and exacerbated by the state government's failures. Authored under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, the report underscores a systemic breakdown of law and order, a biased investigation process, and a climate of impunity that has allowed the violence to persist for over two years. This comprehensive investigation, conducted by an independent tribunal comprised of eminent figures from outside Manipur, provides a harrowing account of the brutality experienced by the victims and raises serious questions about the role of state actors in the conflict. The report meticulously details the long-standing ethnic divisions, socio-political marginalization, and land disputes that fueled the violence, further aggravated by systematic hate campaigns and political rhetoric. The tribunal's composition, deliberately chosen from outside Manipur to ensure impartiality, included Justice K. Kannan, Justice Anjana Prakash, former bureaucrats M.G. Devasahayam and Swaraj Bir Singh, academics such as Uma Chakravarti and Virginius Xaxa, human rights defenders like Manjula Pradeep and Henri Tiphagne, and journalist-author Aakar Patel. This diverse jury carefully considered over 150 oral testimonies from survivors, alongside thousands of written accounts and group discussions, to paint a vivid and disturbing picture of the situation in Manipur. The report is not merely a recounting of events; it is a critical analysis of the underlying causes, the immediate triggers, and the systemic failures that allowed the violence to escalate and continue unabated. One of the key findings of the report is the dismantling of two dominant narratives used to justify the targeting of the Kuki-Zo community. The first narrative alleged that Kukis were illegal immigrants from Myanmar, while the second claimed they were primarily responsible for poppy cultivation. The PUCL report categorically refutes these claims, stating that they were exaggerated and politically weaponized to demonize the community and legitimize the violence against them. This finding is crucial because it exposes the deliberate manipulation of public opinion and the use of misinformation to incite hatred and violence. The report also sheds light on the horrific experiences of the survivors, including accounts of killings, mutilations, disrobing of women, and sexual violence on a large scale. The testimonies reveal a shocking lack of protection from law enforcement, with women reporting instances where police officers not only failed to assist them but actively handed them over to violent mobs. This level of complicity on the part of state actors underscores the severity of the situation and raises serious concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of the law enforcement agencies in Manipur. The role of hate propaganda in fueling the violence is also highlighted in the report. Social media platforms were reportedly flooded with incendiary content, while partisan print media coverage further deepened the divisions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This dissemination of hate speech and misinformation played a significant role in creating a climate of fear and animosity, making it easier for perpetrators to justify their actions and for the violence to escalate. The report also criticizes the government's response to the crisis, pointing out the inadequacy of relief measures and the collapse of constitutional mechanisms. Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) lacked basic sanitation, food, and medical facilities, exacerbating the suffering of those who had already lost their homes and livelihoods. Hospitals were attacked, staff fled, and patients were denied treatment based on their communal affiliations, further undermining the healthcare system and leaving vulnerable populations without access to essential services. The report also raises concerns about the handling of legal cases related to the violence, noting that First Information Reports (FIRs) were selectively filed, investigations were delayed, and security forces were accused of active complicity. The state government's failure to create impartial Special Investigation Teams (SITs) further undermined the investigation process and fueled the perception of bias and impunity. Even interventions by the Supreme Court, such as the Gita Mittal Committee and limited CBI probes, were deemed inadequate due to their narrow scope, limited resources, and lack of follow-up. The PUCL report explicitly indicts both the state and central governments for enabling impunity and worsening ethnic divides in Manipur. The report concludes with a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at restoring accountability and rebuilding trust in the state. These recommendations include the establishment of a permanent bench of the High Court in the hill districts to ensure equal access to justice, the creation of an independent Special Investigation Team to probe thousands of pending cases (including those involving security forces), strict prosecution of hate speech and propaganda, and the implementation of a restorative justice framework with reparations, acknowledgment of harm, and survivor reintegration. The report also emphasizes the need for strengthened relief measures and sustained community dialogue to heal deep ethnic divides and prevent future outbreaks of violence. Justice Kurian Joseph, in his remarks to The Wire, emphasized that “Justice and accountability are non-negotiable if democracy and peace are to return to the state.” The PUCL report serves as a stark warning for the future, suggesting that if accountability is not enforced and impunity is allowed to persist, Manipur could become a dangerous precedent, a template for future instances of state complicity in ethnic violence. The findings underscore the urgent need for a systemic response to address the underlying causes of the conflict, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice and reparations for the victims. The report urges the government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to prevent further escalation of violence and to restore peace and stability in Manipur.
The detailed findings within the PUCL report paint a disturbing picture of the ground realities in Manipur, highlighting the acute vulnerabilities faced by the affected communities and the systemic failures of governance that exacerbated the crisis. One of the most alarming revelations is the extent to which state machinery was either complicit in or failed to prevent the targeted violence against specific ethnic groups. Survivors' testimonies consistently point towards a deliberate breakdown of law and order, with security forces either turning a blind eye to the atrocities or actively facilitating them. This breakdown not only enabled the perpetrators to carry out their heinous acts with impunity but also eroded the public's trust in the state's ability to protect its citizens. The report meticulously documents instances where police officers allegedly handed over women to violent mobs, demonstrating a complete disregard for their safety and security. Such acts of complicity not only violated the fundamental rights of the victims but also undermined the very foundation of the rule of law. The selective filing of FIRs and the delayed investigations further compounded the problem, creating a climate of fear and suspicion and making it difficult for victims to seek justice. The failure to create impartial Special Investigation Teams (SITs) further reinforced the perception of bias and impunity, suggesting that the state government was not genuinely committed to investigating the violence and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The role of hate speech and propaganda in fueling the violence cannot be overstated. The report highlights how social media platforms were used to spread misinformation and incite hatred against specific ethnic groups, creating a climate of animosity and fear. Partisan print media coverage further deepened the divisions, amplifying existing tensions and making it easier for perpetrators to justify their actions. The report calls for strict prosecution of hate speech and propaganda, emphasizing the need to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading misinformation and inciting violence. The collapse of relief measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs) further aggravated the suffering of those who had already lost their homes and livelihoods. Camps for IDPs lacked basic sanitation, food, and medical facilities, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to disease and malnutrition. The report criticizes the government's response to the crisis, pointing out the inadequacy of relief efforts and the lack of institutional interventions to address the mental health consequences of the violence. The report also raises concerns about the denial of healthcare to patients based on their communal affiliations, highlighting the breakdown of the healthcare system and the erosion of fundamental human rights. The PUCL report's recommendations for restoring accountability and rebuilding trust in Manipur are comprehensive and far-reaching. The establishment of a permanent bench of the High Court in the hill districts is crucial for ensuring equal access to justice for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background. The creation of an independent Special Investigation Team to probe thousands of pending cases is essential for bringing perpetrators to justice and sending a clear message that violence will not be tolerated. The report's call for a restorative justice framework, with reparations, acknowledgment of harm, and survivor reintegration, is a recognition that simply punishing perpetrators is not enough. Healing the deep ethnic divides and rebuilding trust requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict and provides support for the victims. The report emphasizes the need for sustained community dialogue to promote reconciliation and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
Beyond the immediate recommendations, the PUCL report implicitly calls for a fundamental re-evaluation of governance structures and political dynamics in Manipur. The report underscores the importance of addressing long-standing grievances and inequalities that have fueled ethnic tensions and made the state vulnerable to violence. This requires a commitment to inclusive governance, where all communities have a voice in decision-making processes and are treated with dignity and respect. The report also highlights the need for a more robust and independent judiciary that is capable of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens. The selective filing of FIRs and the delayed investigations suggest a systemic problem within the law enforcement agencies, which needs to be addressed through training, reforms, and increased accountability. The role of civil society organizations in promoting peace and reconciliation is also critical. The PUCL report itself is a testament to the importance of independent monitoring and reporting on human rights violations. Civil society organizations can play a crucial role in documenting the experiences of victims, advocating for justice, and promoting dialogue between communities. The report's warning about the potential for Manipur to become a dangerous precedent underscores the need for national and international attention to the situation. The central government must take a more proactive role in addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and ensuring that the state government is held accountable for its actions. The international community can also play a role by providing technical assistance, financial support, and diplomatic pressure to encourage a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Ultimately, restoring peace and stability in Manipur requires a holistic approach that addresses the political, economic, and social dimensions of the conflict. This includes promoting inclusive governance, strengthening the rule of law, addressing long-standing grievances, and fostering a culture of respect and tolerance. The PUCL report provides a roadmap for achieving these goals, but it is up to the government, civil society, and the international community to work together to implement its recommendations and ensure that justice is served and lasting peace is restored in Manipur. The situation in Manipur is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of vigilance in protecting human rights. The PUCL report serves as a wake-up call, urging us to learn from the mistakes of the past and to work together to prevent future tragedies. The people of Manipur deserve nothing less than a future where they can live in peace, security, and dignity. The report's detailed analysis and recommendations provide a valuable framework for achieving this goal, but it requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders to make it a reality. The future of Manipur, and indeed the future of India's democracy, depends on it.
Source: ‘Manipur Violence Was Not Spontaneous, But Planned and Ethnically Targeted’: PUCL Report