IMPHAL: In a troubling turn of events, the residence of a prominent human rights activist from Manipur, Babloo Loitongbam, fell victim to an attack on Thursday evening. Situated in Imphal, Manipur, his home was targeted by unidentified miscreants. This incident occurred shortly after Babloo Loitongbam and former Manipur police officer Thounaojam Brinda were 'banned' from engaging in public speaking by the radical Meitei group known as Meitei Leepun.
Babloo Loitongbam, known for his outspoken stance on human rights issues, had been critical of the Meitei Leepun and Aarambai Tenggol, radical Meitei groups allegedly involved in promoting violence against the Kukis in Manipur. In an interview conducted in May, Loitongbam accused these groups of 'injecting' militancy into the minds of individuals within the Meitei community in Manipur. He also claimed that there were no longer any standing churches in the valley, asserting that all had been destroyed.
The attack on Babloo Loitongbam's residence followed a pattern of intimidation against those who spoke out against the Meitei Leepun and Aarambai Tenggol. Just two days prior, activists from these groups had stormed the residence of former Manipur police officer Thounaojam Brinda, threatening her due to her statements against the two organizations. Brinda had publicly implicated the Meitei Leepun and Aarambai Tenggol in an arson incident that occurred during the period of violence.
Furthermore, Brinda had called for an investigation into the role of Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, in the Manipur violence. She criticized Singh's portrayal as a savior of the Meitei community, alleging that he had betrayed them and Manipur.
These recent events highlight the precarious situation in Manipur, where activists like Babloo Loitongbam and Thounaojam Brinda face threats and attacks for their outspoken views and calls for justice. The ban on their public speaking by the Meitei Leepun further underscores the challenges faced by those advocating for human rights and accountability in the region.
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