Islamabad, Since Narendra Modi’s ascent to the position of Prime Minister in 2014, human rights activists in India have reported an increase in attacks from individuals and mobs linked to Hindutva organizations. Recently, the residence of a prominent rights advocate, Babloo Loitongbam, in Imphal, Manipur, was vandalized.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, members of some Meitei (Hindu) organizations were responsible for the incident that occurred earlier this month in Imphal, the capital of the tumultuous state of Manipur.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) took to platform X to voice its concern over the incident, stating, “We are alarmed by threats to human rights defender Babloo Loitongbam by Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol groups in Manipur for speaking out on inter-communal violence since May. We urge authorities to protect him, his family and home, and hold perpetrators accountable.”
On the evening of October 05, local police reported a mob targeting Loitongbam’s residence in the Kwakeithel region of Imphal West district. At the time of the attack, Loitongbam was abroad. Family members shared with the police that the mob, consisting of about 30 to 35 individuals, had approached the house inquiring about Loitongbam’s whereabouts. Their demand was clear: they sought clarification and an apology for recent statements Loitongbam made to local press concerning the demolition of churches and the involvement of specific groups in the prevailing ethnic strife in Manipur.
In a parallel incident, several individuals approached the home of former Additional Superintendent of Police, Thounaojam Brinda, pressing her for an explanation and an apology related to her comments about certain Manipuri entities. Notably, Brinda, recognized for her efforts against drug issues and women’s deprivation, vied unsuccessfully for a seat in the Manipur Assembly elections the previous year. She had represented the Yaiskul constituency on a Janata Dal (United) ticket. The Meitei community groups, Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol, have called for the public boycott of both Brinda and Loitongbam.
Babloo Loitongbam, known for his outspoken stance against state policies violating the rights of non-Hindu communities in Manipur and neighboring North Eastern Indian states, raised concerns during this year’s 53rd Session of UNHRC. Addressing a seminar, Loitongbam emphasized the mounting suppressive actions against civil society organizations and human rights advocates in India, stating these measures were stifling their efforts. He further underlined the shrinking civic space in India and the oppressive laws curtailing freedoms of expression, association, and assembly as matters of deep concern.