On September 23, 2024, a day after the Meitei Leepun (ML) issued threats against Babloo Loitongbam, he released a statement detailing the events that unfolded. In his statement, Loitongbam stated that around fifty young men had come to his house and threatened his family, warning that if he made any public appearances, his family would face serious consequences. This intimidation followed a press conference held by the ML the previous day, during which allegedly false accusations were made against him, and people were warned not to collaborate with him. Videos of both the press conference and the visit to his home have since circulated widely on social media. In response, Loitongbam felt it was essential to clarify the situation and present the following facts for public awareness.
He emphasised that he has been a human rights defender for over three decades, advocating for the peaceful coexistence and development of all communities in Manipur. He firmly denied the recent claims, stating that he has no financial connections to any Kuki militant groups or individuals. The allegations that he received money from the Kuki community are entirely baseless and unfounded.
As a human rights advocate, Loitongbam reiterated his commitment to upholding the right of individuals facing persecution to seek asylum in another country. This includes refugees from Myanmar who have sought refuge in India. He noted that his efforts have always been conducted through legal and appropriate channels, such as working with the Regional Foreigner Registration Office, and he has supported the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in providing humanitarian aid in Manipur. He argued that a transparent refugee policy, which guarantees refugees’ basic rights and includes their right to return home when conditions improve, is essential to preserving the land rights of indigenous people, countering the claims made by ML.
Loitongbam also addressed the accusations made during the ML press conference about a woman referred to as the “PDF Women Wing Commander.” He clarified that the woman in question is Ms. Mya Kyay Mon, a distressed prisoner referred to Human Rights Alert (HRA). HRA, as part of the Manipur Legal Services Authority, provided her with legal assistance. They secured her bail and placed her in a women’s shelter in Imphal while she awaits trial. He further explained that Ms. Mya Kyay Mon is a Burmese-Norwegian of Buddhist origin, not a Chin or a Christian as has been misreported. The only charge against her is overstaying her visa, and she remains detained in Imphal Jail. Loitongbam firmly denied the claim that he accompanied her to the UN or the US to raise funds, stating that she remains under judicial custody in India.
This statement was released in response to a press conference held by ML on September 22, 2024, at the Manipur Press Club. ML, a radical cultural organization in Manipur, had accused Babloo of collaborating with the Kuki community and acting against the interests of the Meitei people. According to a report from the Imphal Times, ML criticised Babloo’s stance on protecting illegal immigrants, referencing a letter he had sent to a human rights organisation advocating for the rights of refugees. ML argued that Babloo’s stance undermined the interests of the Meitei community. The organization had previously issued warnings to Babloo, directing him to refrain from any public involvement or advocacy related to the ongoing conflict in the state. (Details may be read here)
The complete press statement may be read below:
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