Scrapping of AFSPA by central govt. next logical move
9th July, 2016 :
STAND OF DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT AGAINST AFSPA VINDICATED!
SCRAPPING OF AFSPA BY CENTRAL GOVT. NEXT LOGICAL MOVE!
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) welcomes the judgement of Supreme Court condemning the largescale killings in Manipur in the guise of self defence while dealing with insurgency or militants as unacceptable.
The judgement said that if members of the armed forces are deployed and employed to kill citizens of the country on the mere allegation or suspicion that they are the ‘enemy’, not only the rule of law but also democracy would be in grave danger.
It should be known that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gives soldiers sweeping powers to arrest or interrogate people in "disturbed areas" or states dealing with separatists or insurgents. This law has been used by the army to use draconian measures against Indian people.
NEFIS believes that by denying the right to rule of law, the Indian state has kept North-East people relegated to the status of second class citizenry in the country that claims itself to be the world’s largest democracy. While NEFIS welcomes this move, one has to see what more can be achieved on the ground. This ruling is a vindication of democratic movement against AFSPA.
Chinglen Khumukcham,
Convener,
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS)
E-mail: nefis(DOT)delhi(AT)gmail(DOT)com
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) who can be contacted at nefis(DOT)delhi(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on July 10 2016
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