A/HRC/57/60
112. The situation of the Centre for Social Development (CSD) in Manipur and its staff,
including the case of its secretary Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam and his close relatives,
have been included since 2018 in the reports of the Secretary-General.116 Reportedly, staff
from the CSD and Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam have be subjected to surveillance, freezing
of bank accounts under the FCRA, and attempted killing and abduction of close relatives for
their engagement with the United Nations in relation to uranium mining and cement factories
in Meghalaya.
113. According to information received by OHCHR, the CSD’s office and its staff continue
to be under permanent surveillance by unknown individuals, allegedly linked to the security
forces. On several occasions during the reporting period, men in civilian clothes have
approached CSD’s clients and visited CSD’s offices inquiring about their work. Reportedly,
since January 2024, two individuals have been constantly monitoring the movements of Mr.
Nobokishore Urikhimbam and CSD’s vehicles.
114. Regarding the attempted murder in 2019 of Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam’s
daughter,117 on 19 March 2024 the Manipur Human Rights Commission reportedly closed
the case based on the lack of evidence. Concerning the attack against the wife of
Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam and the failed abduction of one his sons in 2022, on 4 April
2024 the High Court of Manipur reportedly dismissed the Writ Petition filed in 2022 arguing
that the complainant had not complied with the procedure.
115. Following the extension in March 2023 of CSD’s registration under the FCRA until
September 2023, at the time of writing, CSD had not received any updates regarding the
renewal of such registration.
116. In October 2023, special procedures mandate holders provided a review of the acts
and agencies118 that outline and enforce India’s Anti-Money Laundering/Combatting the
Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation. They expressed concerns over the use of
the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010 to restrict the work of
non-profit/non-governmental organizations. 119 Mandate holders observed heightened
licensing requirements under the FCRA and its 2020 amendments noting that the FCRA
seems to be used to arbitrarily target non-profit organizations, particularly those with diverse
or critical views. Mandate-holders urged the Government to ensure that any procedures
governing the licensing of non-profit organizations under the FCRA are transparent,
accessible, non-discriminatory, expeditious, inexpensive, and allow for the possibility of
appeal (IND 10/2023).
117. On 5 July 2024, the Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection to
the present report noting its commitment to meaningful engagement with the United Nations
system in the spirit of constructive dialogue and cooperation. The Government referred to its
previous replies on the cases above which it trusted would be taken into consideration. The
Government noted its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for people
engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights as long as their activities are in
conformity with the national legislation.
118. Regarding the situation of Mr. Parvez, the Government noted that his preventive
detention was based on the cases registered against him under the Code of Criminal
Procedure for his activities against public order. The Government also noted that law
enforcement agencies had found Mr. Parvez to be instigating and executing violent acts and
disturbances since July 2016. The Government informed that Mr. Parvez had been provided
116
117
118
119
GE.24-14259
A/HRC/51/47, para. 61, Annex II. paras. 80–81; A/HRC/48/28, Annex II. paras. 66–68;
A/HRC/45/36, para. 76, Annex II. paras. 72–73; A/HRC/42/30, Annex II, para. 57; A/HRC/39/41,
Annex I paras. 63–65.
IND 18/2019.
The 2006 Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and its amendments, the 2002 Prevention of
Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and its amendments, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
(UAPA) and its amendments, as well as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement
Directorate (ED).
See also IND 2/2016; IND 10/2016; IND 28/2018; IND 6/2023.
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