US rights report on India cites abuses in Manipur, harassment of media and minorities
The US State Department’s annual human rights assessment found “significant” abuses in India’s northeastern Manipur state last year and attacks on minorities, journalists, and dissenting voices in the rest of the country.
Manipur has seen fierce fighting between its tribal Kuki-Zo and majority Meitei populations after a court order a year ago suggested the Kuki’s minority privileges be extended to the Meitei. More than 200 people have been killed.
The State Department report said over 60,000 people were displaced between May and November in Manipur.There was no immediate comment on the report from the Indian embassy in Washington.
In the rest of India, the State Department reported “numerous instances” in which the government and its allies “allegedly pressured or harassed media outlets critical of the government.”