India rejects UN experts' comments on Manipur as unwarranted

India has firmly rejected comments made by United Nations (U.N.) experts regarding the state of Manipur, terming them "unwarranted, presumptive, and misleading." India asserts that Manipur is in a state of peace and stability, with a commitment to safeguarding human rights.

Peaceful situation in Manipur

In a note verbale issued to the Special Procedures Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Indian mission emphasized that Manipur currently enjoys peace and stability. The Indian government is dedicated to taking necessary actions to uphold this peace and stability. "The Government is also committed to protecting the human rights of the people of India, including the people of Manipur," the note stated.

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The Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations Office in Geneva wholly rejects a news release by U.N. experts. India considers the release unwarranted, presumptive, and misleading. It also highlights a significant misunderstanding of the situation in Manipur and the measures taken by the Indian government to address it.

U.N. experts' concerns

A group of U.N. experts had expressed alarm over reports of "serious human rights violations and abuses" in Manipur. These allegations included acts of sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, home destruction, forced displacement, torture, and ill-treatment.

Over premature release

India's response comes in the wake of a press release by Special Procedure Mandate Holders (SPMH) titled 'India: U.N. experts alarmed by continuing abuses in Manipur.' The Permanent Mission of India expressed disappointment and surprise that the SPMH chose to release this statement without waiting for the Indian government's response within the 60-day period to a joint communication issued on August 29, 2023, on the same topic.

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India's commitment to Human Rights

India reiterated its status as a democratic nation with a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the promotion and protection of human rights for its people. Indian law enforcement authorities and security forces operate in accordance with the principles of legal certainty, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination when dealing with law-and-order situations.