AFSPA debated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 02 2014:
A one-day discussion on 'Armed Conflict, Right to Life and AFSPA 1958' held today at Cheirap Court Complex recommended, among others, repealing of the pro-military legislation from Manipur at the earliest.
Recognition of the existing armed conflict in Manipur from the legal perspective and duly settled under the International Humanitarian Law and Government of India becoming a signatory to the Additional Protocol 1949 of Geneva Convention 1977 were the other recommendations of the discussion.
Moreover, the gathering endorsed to ask insurgent groups for upholding Article III of the Geneva Convention as well as endeavour to settle the present imbroglio under international laws.
Organised jointly by All Manipur Bar Association and United NGO's Mission Manipur, the inauguration programme was held with AMBA president advocate Khaidem Mani, senior advocate RK Nokulsana and District & Sessions Judge Manipur east A Guneshwor as the presidium members.
As resource persons, RK Nokulsana, A Guneshwor, Human Rights Alert director Babloo Loitongbam, WAD general secretary Sobita Mangsatabam, ISTV chief editor Brozendro Ningomba and Human Rights Law Network director Rakesh Meihoubam elaborated on the subject matter.
Sharing his opinion, advocate Nokulsana stating that draconian laws have no place in a civilised society also pointed out that AFSPA will eventually lapse if there is improvement in the law and order situation in Manipur.
When the Government of Manipur remove the disturb area status and maintain law and order stability then the Centre will have no other option but scrap AFSPA, he added.
A Guneshwar in his presentation questioned intention of the Central Government to enforce AFSPA in Manipur when the State was relatively peaceful.
Disagreeing with the concept that AFSPA was essential as there was unrest in Manipur's neighbours Assam and nagaland, Guneshwar said every section of the society need to introspect on the Centre's motive for prolonged implementation AFSPA in the State.
Allegations of excesses committed by the security forces under the immunity granted by AFSPA, the same legislation claiming to be aggravating the armed conflict situation and lack of commitment by both politicians and bureaucrats to resolve the insurgency problem, were also reflected in the deliberations by the other resource persons.