UN response to AFSPA discussed and dissected
'International Humanitarian Law applicable in Manipur'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 06 2012:
A State Level Convention on UN response to AFSPA and related issues organised by Civil Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN at Manipur Press Club here today has unanimously resolved to organize a National convention on AFSPA to further strengthen the movement of the people of the state for self determination and human rights.
The convention also resolved to further the People's Campaign to Repeal the AFSPA by fully supporting the organizations of Manipur National Convention in consideration of the present situation of armed conflict and international human rights and humanitarian law violations in Manipur, take up necessary steps and actions to repeal AFSPA and advance the agenda for a peaceful political solution to the situation.
Furthermore, the convention decided to urgently compile and publish the relevant recent documents relating to the UN officials visit to the North East region of India to further the People's Campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, which was attended by members of various CSOs, Dr Debabrata Roy Laifungbam, Moderator of the Convention, said that the today's convention thoroughly discussed the recent developments arising from the visits of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mrs Margeret Sekaggya and her final report at the 19th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council on March 5th last.
It also discussed developments over the visit of Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Mr Christof Heyns and his general comments, conclusions and preliminary recommendations on March 30th last.
Roy further stated that the delegates present in the convention warmly welcome the final report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Margaret Sekaggya and her final report and taken note of the remarks made by the Union Minister of Home Affairs, P Chidambaram during his monthly report on March 31 last.
He also said that the over 11-year long struggle of Nura Temshingnabi Irom Chanu Sharmila for repeal of AFSPA and arbitrary killings in Manipur was applauded by the convention.
The convention concluded with acknowledgement that situation of armed conflict in Manipur has been there since the 50's and that International Law is applicable in Manipur as supported by Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Mr Christof Heyns.
The convention was also attended by Advocate Khaidem Mani, retired Judge C Upendra, RK Rajendra, ex-member, Manipur Human Rights Commission and Yambem Laba.