SIPHRO

New Delhi, January 23, 2006: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission to provide humanitarian assistance to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) belonging to the Hmar and Paite tribal communities from the Tipaimukh sub-division in Churachandpur district of Manipur. Over a thousand Hmars and Paites have fled to neighbouring Mizoram while about 5,000 have been displaced within Tipaimukh sub-division.

The Hmar IDPs have been fleeing to Mizoram since 16 January 2006 following alleged attack and threats by the members of the armed opposition group, United National Liberation Front of Manipur. The conflict has reportedly started following the clash between the members of the UNLF and Hmar People’s Conference (Democratic) on 6 January 2006.

“No party in armed conflict whether they are the Indian Army or United National Liberation Front or Hmar People’s Conference (Democratic) target innocent civilians or take measures that cause displacement of the civilians. Such measures violate provisions of the 1976 Additional Protocol to Geneva Conventions relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts” –stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights for Human Rights.

“The condition of the internally displaced persons across the North East is deplorable. The displaced Hmar and Paite IDPs are now facing crisis of food, medicines, warm clothes and other essential commodities” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights for Human Rights.

ACHR urged the NHRC to direct the Union Home Ministry, State governments of Mizoram and Manipur to provide relief including proper shelter, food, medicine, babyfood etc to the displaced Hmar and Paite IDPs, ensure security of the IDPs and ensure proper rehabilitation of those displaced within Manipur and Mizoram.

Source: ACHR Index: PR/IND/02/06