NESO to pressurize the MPs of the NE to take up AFSPA in the Parliament
10 October 2014
Today, the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) organized a one day North East Consultation on Human Rights with special reference to Armed Forces Special Powers Act at the Tribal Research Institute, Imphal; with All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) as the local host. Auguster Jyrwa, General Secretary, Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), along with student activists, human rights defenders, Meira Paibi, survivors of AFSPA violence are present in the consultation.
After a thread bare discussion on the genesis and politics of AFSPA, adverse gender impact of the armed conflict and the increasing ‘securitization of development’ in the NE region, the consultation unanimously decided to pressurize the MPs from the NE to push for the repeal of AFSPA in Parliament. Sinam Prakash secretary general NESO in his keynote address pointed out that despite of internal and external democratic pressure to repeal AFSPA the government of India turning a blind eye to the issue for too long.
During the inaugural function Mr. Radhabinod Koijam former Chief Minister of Manipur, who was the Chief Guest, related his experience of engaging the Prime Minster and the Home Minster on the issue of AFSPA. He shared how an Army General vehemently opposed to his suggestion, even though he could have the intelligence officials on his side.
Guest of Honour Mr. Yambem Laba, fomer member Manipur State Human Rights Commission narrated the story of how he along with his friend moved the Supreme Court of India to challenge AFSPA in 1980 and also encouraged the student communities not to shy away from India but to engage with them even if you do not agree. Mr. Patshangbam Sonamani, President Manipuri Association North East India was the other guest of honour.
Mr. Samuel Jyrwa, Chairman NESO, called AFSPA a manifestation of racial discrimination against the North East people and emphasized the need to repeal such a draconian law. He also pointed out that such consultation will be held in all the seven sister States of the NE before the next Parliament session.
The business session was a chaired by Lokendra Arambam, senior citizen. Seram Rojesh, Anjulika Samon and Thagjam Homen presented expert papers.
NORTH EAST STUDENTS’ ORGANISATION (N.E.S.O.)
MAILING ADDRESS
C/o A.A.S.U. Head Office
Gauhati University Campus, Guwahati
MEMBER ORGANISATIONS
All Assam Students’ Union (A.A.S.U.) Hqs. Guwahati
Khasi Students’ Union (K.S.U.) Hqs. Shillong
Garo Students’ Union (G.S.U.) Hqs. Tura
All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (A.A.P.S.U.) Hqs. Itanagar
Naga Students’ Federation (N.S.F.) Hqs. Kohima
All Manipur Students’ Union (A.M.S.U.) Hqs. Imphal
Mizo Zirlai Pawl (M.Z.P.) Hqs. Aizawl
Twipra Students’ Federation (T.S.F.) Hqs. Agartala
* This PR was sent to e-pao.net by Babloo Loitongbam who can be contacted at bloitongbam(at)gmail(dot)com
This Press Release was posted on October 11 2014
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