AFSPA instrument of war: Babloo Loitongbam
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, April 20 2022: Human rights defender, Babloo Loitongbam on Wednesday said that Armed Forces' Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 is an instrument of war.

"As such, how can one use the instrument of war in this situation?" he asked.

The comment of Babloo came amid voices against what many organisations termed it as selective lifting of the Disturbed Area status in Manipur.

The comment also came amid the demand for repeal of AFSPA by many organisations.

It may be recalled that on March 31, chief minister N Biren had announced withdrawal of "Disturbed Area" status from under the jurisdiction of several police stations in the valley districts of Manipur with effect from April 1, 2022 .

Babloo told NNN that employment of AFSPA can be a "strategic blunder" .

He also said that AFSPA threatens national security.

"If one asks whether the Act is right or wrong, it is totally wrong", the noted human rights defender stated.

"It is used as a political tool", he added.

Babloo Loitongbam continued that the "imposition of AFSPA is India's darkest spot", while also mentioning that AFSPA challenges "human nature" .

On being asked about the seemingly meagre yield inspite of launching protest against the Act for a long time, the human rights defender stated that the legitimacy of AFSPA has been nullified.

Further, he conveyed that popular movements will come and go.

"Perhaps, mass followings are momentary, but we have to continue standing firm based on truth even though we are very less in number," he added.

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