GUWAHATI: The United Nations Human Rights has expressed serious concerns over the threats made against Babloo Loitongbam, a distinguished human rights activist based in Imphal, Manipur. The threats have been linked to the ongoing sectarian strife in the state.
Loitongbam, who serves as the director of Human Rights Alert in Manipur, has faced threats from Meitei organisations and groups, specifically Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tengol, the local press reported.
These groups have criticised Loitongbam, himself a member of the Meitei community, for publicly addressing the inter-communal violence that has plagued Manipur since May.
“We are alarmed by threats to human rights defender Babloo Loitongbam by Meitei Leepun & Arambai Tengol groups in #Manipur for speaking out on inter-communal violence since May. We urged authorities to protect him, his family & home, & hold perpetrators accountable,” read a post by the leading UN entity on human rights, in a popular micro-blogging website.
Earlier on Thursday evening, in a concerning escalation, the activist’s home in Imphal West was attacked by unidentified individuals. This assault coincided with Meitei Leepun’s announcement of a boycott, which prevents Loitongbam from addressing the public until the ongoing violence in Manipur is quelled.
According to reports in the local press, at around 6 pm, approximately 30 unidentified miscreants, arriving in two vehicles, converged on Loitongbam’s residence at Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai in Imphal West. They proceeded to vandalise the property. Fortunately, Loitongbam was not present at the location during the incident, as he was out of station.
Loitongbam, known for his fearless advocacy, has persistently scrutinised and voiced concerns over the present chaotic state in Manipur. He has particularly highlighted the disturbing role played by radical groups in the ongoing crisis.
Moreover, the same Meitei group also imposed a similar public speaking ban on former additional superintendent of police, Thounaojam Brinda, demanding she refrain from making public remarks until the unrest in Manipur is adequately addressed.
