Message of solidarity from Timor-LesteDrone bombing a blatant act of terrorism : Komite Esperansa

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 4 : The Komite Esperansa or Committee of Hope, a movement consisting of students, youth, landless people and workers in Timor-Leste has categorically stated that the recent drone bombings carried out by Kuki militants in Manipur were blatant acts of terrorism.
The committee sent a statement of solidarity with the oppressed and exploited people of Manipur on October 2.
The recent drone bombings carried out by the Kuki militants in Manipur on September 1, 2024 constituted a blatant act of terrorism, violating fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, it said.
These attacks, which have resulted in loss of life, injury, and destruction of property, are a clear breach of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, read the statement.
The use of drones by the Kuki militants to drop bombs on civilian areas in Manipur is a textbook example of an indiscriminate attack, violating Article 51(4) of Additional Protocol I. Such attacks, which fail to distinguish between military targets and civilians, are considered war crimes under international law, it pointed out.
The Kuki militants' actions also violate Article 3, common to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits violence against civilians, including murder, mutilation, and cruel treatment.
The use of drones to target civilians constitutes a grave breach of this article, punishable under international law, the Committee of Hope asserted.
In addition, the drone bombings may be considered a form of collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Collective punishment involves penalizing a group of people for the actions of a few, and in this case, the Kuki militants are targeting the broader population in Manipur, it said.
The Committee of Hope asserted that the international community must condemn these acts of terrorism and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
India, as the affected State, has a responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, it said.
The Kuki drone bombings in Manipur are a clear violation of international humanitarian law, constituting acts of terrorism and war crimes, it asserted and added that the international community must take immediate action to address this crisis, provide humanitarian assistance to the affected population, and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
It said that the democratic institutions established under the Central and State Governments have not protected the indigenous people from the impacts of militarism but they remained as a mere spectator.
On the day of the outbreak of conflict, security personnel remained as mute spectators overseeing the community violence before their eyes (as posted on social media and newspapers), it remarked.
Despite the deployment of huge Indian armed forces and appointing former CRPF DG Kuldiep Singh  as Security Advisor to control the situation, the situation is becoming worse day by day and particularly the Meitei community has been incarcerated only in the valley area.
The situation of the Meitei community is very critical as people are not allowed to move freely on the highways due to the conflict situation.
It seems the authority has indirectly endorsed the genocidal approach by not taking necessary measures so far, the Committee of Hope remarked.
“We appeal to the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Manipur, recognizing their struggles and aspirations for justice, dignity, and self-determination. We condemn violence against civilians and call for an end to the ongoing occupation and oppression. It is vital that we advocate for human rights, support peaceful dialogue, and work towards a future where all people in Manipur can live in safety and equality”, read the committee’s statement.
It flagged the partisan role of Indian armed forces in containing the ethnic violence and subsequent demand of the valley people for withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.
It also mentioned how the Government of India has heavily militarised Manipur allegedly to suppress the movement of Manipur.