Imphal, August 26: A controversy has erupted in Manipur after the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) released a 694-page report alleging that the state’s ethnic violence was “not spontaneous but orchestrated.” The report, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, has drawn sharp criticism from former chief minister N. Biren Singh, political leaders, and human rights organisations in the state.
Singh, who was Chief Minister when violence broke out in May 2023, said such claims would “only deepen the divide and prolong mistrust” in Manipur. The clashes, which erupted over a year ago, have claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, warned that “more than 3,000 FIRs” would be lodged against the PUCL for what he described as a provocative and misleading document.
The Imphal-based Human Rights International Freedom (HRIF) has also threatened legal action against PUCL. In a strongly worded letter, HRIF said the report was “blatantly one-sided, replete with unverified facts, misinformation, and bias in favour of the Kuki community, while deliberately omitting the suffering of the Meitei community.”
HRIF further warned that the report’s “inflammatory allegations” and “selective reporting” could aggravate existing tensions, disturb the fragile peace process, and promote enmity between communities.
Backing HRIF’s stand, Singh remarked, “Well done HRIF for taking the lead. I believe many right-minded organisations are preparing to follow with legal actions against a biased and divisive organisation like the PUCL. At a time when Manipur needs healing, reconciliation, and unity, such publications serve only to promote misunderstanding.”
