Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 23:
The demand for revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 from Manipur in the backdrop of rampant violation of human rights by security personnel with impunity and in particular the recent killing of Thangjam Manorama by 17 Assam Rifles forces in their custody is getting momentum with many social organizations coming out strongly against the Act, which has earned the sobriquet of �draconian�.
Even as 32 organizations are jointly spearheading the movement demanding revocation of the Act, many social organizations have put pressures on the Government for revoking the Act from the State at the earliest possible.
Representatives of Manipur University Teachers� Association (MUTA) today called on Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at his office chamber and appealed the Government for giving serious attention to the people�s demand for removing the Act.
MUTA representatives also clearly expressed their view that growth of insurgency movement in Manipur has been increasing even after enforcement of Armed Forces Special Power Act for more than the last 20 years.
Meanwhile, Joint Action Committee, Uripok; Multi-purpose Youth Development Organization, Wangjing; All Manipur Entrepreneurs� Association, Takyel; Women�s Development Committee, Top Khongnang Makhong; United Clubs� Organization, Leimapokpam; All India Kangla Pakhangba Temple Development Society, Imphal; Cine Exhibitors� Association of Manipur; United Women�s Development Organization, Nambol; Young Progressive and Athletic Club, Elangbam Leikai; Kwakta Village Authority, Tengnoupal; Khurai Heikrumakhong Yaipha Thouram Nupi Lup; Maruploi Foundation, Babupara; Paree Imom Sindam Sang, Langjing; Imphal Educated Association cum Youth Centre, Yairipok; Ching-Tam Apunba Shei-shak Lup, Imphal; Federation of Indigenous Arts and Cultural Students, Manipur; Youth Brighter Club, Langdum; Khoisnam Leikai Youth Development Committee, Uripok; Khoisnam Leikai Women�s Welfare Assn, Uripok; Western Star Club, Sagolband Langjing Achouba; Brahmapur Chaokhat Thourang Ima Lup, Bramhapur Sangai Chuthek; The Maibam Nambol GP MPCS Ltd, in separate statements have also demanded revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.
Condemnation against killing of Manorama in the custody of Assam Rifles in particular and the atrocities being committed by security forces with impunity under the protective shield of Armed Forces Special Power Act are also pouring in unabatedly from various quarters.