IN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LEANDRO
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LEANDRO CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING THE PERSECUTED
KUKI CHRISTIANS IN MANIPUR, INDIA WHOSE RELIGIOUS AND HUMAN RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED WHEREAS, on May 3, 2023, a distressing conflict erupted in Manipur, India between the Kuki Christian community, and the Hindu Meitei community, resulting in the forced displacement of the Kuki Christians from their homes, leaving them with only the clothes on their backs; and WHEREAS, this conflict has so far reportedly killed over 170 people and led to the burning of an estimated 350 Christian churches and 4,800 homes, displacing over 70,000 people who have fled in fear for their lives, with some people being burned alive and denied dignified burial; and WHEREAS, the displaced population is now residing in overcrowded and unhygienic camps, where essential amenities such as sanitation, access to education for children, and livelihood opportunities for adults are sorely lacking; and
WHEREAS, reports of sexual violence, including gang rapes, have emerged with two Christian women enduring such horrific acts while being paraded naked in the streets of Manipur; and WHEREAS, families and community members of the victims in Manipur, who reside in our City, are living in distress uncertain about the well-being of their loved ones in Manipur; and WHEREAS, the European Union passed a Resolution on July 13, 2023 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2023-0337_EN.html), condemning the atrocities committed in Manipur.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of San Leandro City Council does RESOLVE as follows:
That the City of San Leandro condemns the atrocities committed against the Christian Kuki community in Manipur; and
That the City of San Leandro Supports Protecting the Persecuted Kuki Christians in Manipur whose religious and human rights are being violated; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the City of San Leandro calls upon its Congressional representatives from the San Francisco Bay Area, including Barbara Lee (12th District - San Leandro/Oakland), Nancy Pelosi (11th District - San Francisco), Eric Swalwell (14th District - Dublin), Mark DeSaulnier (10th District - Concord), Kevin Mullin (15th District - South San Francisco/Redwood City), Anna Eshoo (16th District - Palo Alto/Pacifica), Ro Khanna (17th District - Fremont), and Zoe Lofgren (18th District - San Jose) to vigorously advocate for the protection of religious freedom and the preservation of human rights by condemning the Manipur atrocities in every relevant committee of Congress; and
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That the City of San Leandro beseech the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding the violations of religious freedom and human rights occurring in Manipur, India; and
That the City Clerk shall send this resolution expeditiously to the City’s Congressional representatives from the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and any other relevant organizations at the Mayor’s discretion. The City Manager is also directed to publish this Resolution on the City of San Leandro Website, Diversity and Inclusion page; and The City of San Leandro has authority over all municipal affairs, and declares support for this resolution.
Introduced by __________________ and passed and adopted this 6th day of November 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
Kelly B. Clancy, CMC
City Clerk
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