Eminent citizens of NE write to Murmu over attack on Babloo

Guwahati, Sep 29
In a strongly worded letter, a group of women leaders, human rights activists, journalists, and concerned citizens from North East has called on  President Draupadi Murmu, to intervene urgently in the escalating violence and unrest in Manipur.
The appeal highlights a recent attack on Babloo Loitongbam, a renowned human rights defender from Manipur, which has sparked outrage among civil society groups.
The letter, signed by over 50 eminent citizens from across the North East, condemns the September 23 attack on Loitongbam’s residence in Imphal, where a mob of 50 young men threatened his family.
This attack followed a press conference by the Meitei Leepun, a group that falsely accused Loitongbam of collaborating with militant groups.
The activists assert that these threats are aimed at silencing voices advocating for peace and justice in Manipur.
The signatories emphasize the growing climate of fear in Manipur, where extremism and vigilantism have been on the rise.
They accuse the Government, both at the State and Central levels, of failing to control the violence that has plagued the region for over 17 months.
The letter states that the people of Manipur, already traumatized by ongoing conflict, cannot endure further violence and instability.
Loitongbam, who leads Human Rights Alert (HRA), is a widely respected figure in the fight for justice in Manipur.
Over the past three decades, he has been instrumental in challenging the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and securing justice for families impacted by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, including the Meitei families.
His work has brought cases before the Supreme Court of India, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice.
The letter questions the sincerity of recent “peace rhetoric” from Government leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah.
The activists argue that peace cannot be achieved while violence and those who enable it go unchecked. They call on the President to ensure the safety of human rights defenders like Loitongbam, who advocate for peaceful coexistence and a fair resolution to the conflict.
The coalition urges immediate action to stop the violence and hold those responsible for perpetuating unrest accountable. They warn that failure to act will only deepen the crisis in Manipur, further endangering the lives of citizens and those who fight for justice.
The letter is endorsed by leading intellectuals, journalists, and activists from across the North East, including:
Dr. Roshmi Goswami, NE Women Leader/South Asians For Human Rights, Meghalaya/Assam
Angela Rangad, TUR, Meghalaya
Tarun Bhartiya, TUR, Meghalaya
Patricia Mukhim, Senior Journalist/Editor Shillong Times, Padmasree awardee, Meghalaya Dr. Monisha Behal, NE Women Leader, Assam/NE
Sanjoy Hazarika, Author, Assam/Meghalaya
Prof. Udayon Misra, Retd. Professor/Intellectual, Assam
Prof. Tilottoma Misra, Retd. Professor/Intellectual, Assam
Dr. Amrita Gogoi, Academic, Assam
Dr. Walter Fernandes, Director NESRC/Intellectual, Assam
Chitra Ahanthem, Citizen, Manipur/New Delhi.
Seno Tsuhah, Feminist/Woman Leader, Nagaland
Ngaineikim Chairperson, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Manipur
Mary Beth Sanate, Women in Governance (WING-G), Manipur
Anurita Pathak, Feminist, Assam/NE
Rashmi Rekha, Feminist, Assam
Jarjum Gamlin Ete, Woman Leader, Arunachal Pradesh
Prof. Manorama Sharma, Retd. Professor NEHU/ Intellectual, Assam
Pradeep Phanjoubam, Senior Journalist Manipur
Dr. Indranee Dutta, Retd. Professor, Assam
Dr. Xonzoi Barbora, MASS, Assam
Prof. Amar Yumnam, Ex-Vice Chancellor Manipur University/ Centre For Economic & Social Studies, Hyderabad Manipur/Telangana
Paresh Malakar, Axom Nagarik Samaj, Assam
Maini Mahanta, Writer/Feminist, Assam
Bondita Mrina, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Assam
Indira Kangjam, Citizen, Manipur/New Delhi
Dr. Bhogtoram Mawroh, Academic, Meghalaya
Samhita Barooah, Assistant Prof. Tezpur University, Assam
Anjuman Ara, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Assam
Mayfereen Ryntathiang, Grassroots, Meghalaya
Dr. Moses Kharbithai, Academic, Meghalaya
Caldwell Manners, Communications/Documentary Photographer, Meghalaya
Wanpynhun Kharsati, Woman Leader, Meghalaya
Supriya Khound, Feminist, Assam
Abantee Dutta, Lawyer, Assam
Nilanju Dutta, Feminist, Assam
Nandita Deka, Lawyer, Assam
Khawlnunsangi, Women in Governance (WIN-G) Manipur
Sunita Akoijam, Citizen, Manipur
Achan Mungleng, Researcher, Manipur
Laxmi Chetri, Activist, Assam
Tongam Rina, Journalist, Arunachal Pradesh
Soumen Moulik, Citizen, Meghalaya/West Bengal
Gertrude Lamare, Researcher, Meghalaya
Rehana Rahman, Feminist, Assam
Swarna Rajagopalan, Citizen, Tamilnadu
Anupam Banerjee, Citizen, West Bengal
Shangnaidar Shangdar, Women in Governance (WIN-G), Manipur.
North East Now