Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 01:
Manipur Unit of South Asian Fraternity has urged the secretary of South Asian Fraternity for pursuing the cause of the people of Manipur who are agitating for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 by highlighting the problems of the people to the member countries of the Fraternity and publishing the same in the South Asian newsletter.
In a letter addressed to the secretary of the parent body, State unit secretary Salam Rupachandra presented a detailed picture of the public discontentment against prolong enforcement of the Act in view of its rampant abuse by the security forces.
He further noted that though the purpose of imposition of the Act is for counter-insurgency and maintain public order, the people of the tiny hill-locked State strongly felt that it has created more problems as the Act is being blatantly abuse by the security personnel thereby resulting in death of many innocent people.
The letter also laid bare the facts relating to death of Thangjam Manorama Devi of Bamon Kampu in the custody of 17 Assam Rifles and its resultant widespread condemnation and protest.
Manipur United People�s Action Committee, Singjamei Chingamakha and Progressive Committee, Patsoi kendra, in separate statements, have also demanded revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.
They also announced their decision for extending support to any agitation taking up by the 32 organizations spearheading the ongoing movement for removal of the repressive Act.