Imphal, March 16: Even as a massive public rally is being planned tomorrow to protest the excesses of the security force and the spurt of killing in fake encounters, former Lok Sabha MP Kim Gangte Kipgen today took the security personnel to task and said that the men in uniform have turned Manipur into a killing field.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the Mangminlal Memorial Sports Tournament at Tuisomjang village in Bungpi area under Saikul Assembly Constituency, the former MP said that under the immunity granted by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the security personnel have been granted the license to kill and shoot at anyone.

Human lives in Manipur today have become cheap, thanks to the atrocities of the security personnel, she said and asked the people to rise up as one against any violations of human rights.

Chiding the people for their short memory span, Kim Gangte Kipgen said that the people should no longer be placated by such things as ex-gratia and promises by the authority concerned but should take the fight to its logical conclusion.

In such a scenario, the role of the women folk in protecting their children and near and loved ones have increased, she noted and added that for women to come to the foreground, education is a must.

In a slightly different tone, the former MP lamented that though the role of women have always been recognized during times of conflict, they have been given the short shrift when it comes to the decision making process.

The time has come for all women to come together as one and have a greater say in the affairs of society and governance, she exhorted.

The people are today suffering because of a dearth of good and effective leadership and added that it is the responsibility of the public to ensure that only good and responsible leaders get to lead them.

Again it is the joint responsibility of both the political leaders and the public to ensure that peace prevails and the people are allowed to lead a life free from any fear psychosis, she stressed.

On the recent spurt of killing of civilians in fake encounters, Kim Gangte Kipgen said that the Kuki Women Human Rights Network strongly condemns the excesses of the security personnel.

Kipgen is also the general secretary of the rights body.

Touching other points, the former MP said that Manipur, despite the lack of proper infrastructure, has been able to provide a number of world class sportspersons from both the hills and valley areas.

Encouraging the youngsters, she said that budding sportspersons have the potential to graduate from the village playground to the international fora.

However the former MP also had a word for caution for the youngsters and asked them to lead a disciplined life as many a budding talent have gone to waste due to alcoholism and other intoxicants.

The former MP also noted with pain that though Bungpi area is just a mere 36 kms from Imphal, the journey from the capital to the village took hours because of the poor road condition.