Manipur has experienced one of the worst violent clashes between its tribal Kuki-Zo and majority Meitei populations after a court judgement a year ago requested that the Kuki’s minority privileges be extended to the Meitei.
So far, more than two hundred individuals have died in one of the deadly clashes that ensued in May 2023.
According to a State Department report, over 60,000 people were displaced as a result of the clashes in Manipur between May and November.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not respond to the allegations, although a reaction is expected from the Indian side regarding the claims made in the report.
The State Department report claimed that there were “numerous instances” in which the government and its allies “allegedly pressured or harassed media outlets critical of the government” throughout India.
Following the release of the reports, Robert S. Gilchrist, a senior official from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, told the media, “India and the US regularly consult at the highest levels on democracy and human rights issues.”
“We strongly encourage India to meet its human rights obligations and commitments, we also regularly meet with civil society representatives in the United States and India to hear their perspectives, which inform the human rights report.
“We encourage the Indian government to consult and meet with civil society organisations representing a diverse range of people,” Gilchrist added.
The report further states that religious minorities in India have suffered persecution, including violent threats and disinformation.
While the US report touched on issues from previous years, political observers believe Washington is being cautious in its public criticism of New Delhi because it expects India to act as a counterbalance to an expansionist China.
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