Bodies renew AFSPA repeal demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06 2014 :
Conflict Widows Forum, Self Support Group, Survival Action for Human Right Manipur and North East Dialogue Forum have once again urged the Government to repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and deliver justice to the people who have killed without any sort of trial under the infamous Act.
Speaking to media persons at Khuman Lampak Youth Hostel today, Conflict Widows Forum convenor Gangarani said that many people have been killed over the past many years on mere suspicion under the impunity guaranteed by AFSPA.
Surviving widows of men killed in such arbitrary manner without any sort of trial are enduring lots of difficulties.
If AFSPA is imposed for any longer period, the number of widows and fatherless children would grow continuously , she said.
She further demanded that justice should be done people killed under AFSPA and their families should be compensated adequately so that they can live with dignity.
Special investigation teams should be set up to probe into all cases of extrajudicial killings, rapes and torture.
Political parties and candidates contesting in the 16th Lok Sabha election should ensure that their election manifestoes reflect the public demand for repeal of AFSPA 1958 .
Saying that her husband was killed in 2001, A Kiran lamented that justice is still eluding her family.
AFSPA which empowers security forces to kill people on mere suspicion without ever putting them on trial is the enemy of humanity.
Pointing out that Irom Sharmila has been fasting for the last 14 years against the draconian Act, Kiran said that Sharmila has been fighting for all the people of Manipur.
Conflict Widows Forum Thoubal convenor N Sunibala demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA in order to avoid any further growth in the number of widows because of the same Act.