Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 08:
Expressing concern over the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee on Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 formed in November 2004, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup has maintained that though the recommendation of the Committee to repeal the Act appears positive, other recommendations to refer the provisions of the Act to other repressive laws primarily the Unlawful Activities and Prevention Act, 1967 is condemnable.
Taking serious note of the observation of the Committee in particular the lines ''....the Act....has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high handedness'' and''...it is equally necessary to ensure that where they (Armed Forces of India) knowingly abuse or misuse their powers, they must be held accountable....'', the Apunba Lup said it is a judicious remarks that reflected the systematic trend of military violations and terror created by armed forces with impunity in Manipur.
The joint statement of the Apunba Lup signed by Laishram Babloo, Yumnam Devadutta, Phulindro Konsam and Ayekpam Langdon also condemned the alleged stubborn and continued insistence of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to continue imposition of AFSPA in Manipur as against the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Review Committee which described the Act as discriminatory and repressive.
The statement faxed from New Delhi further informed that representatives of Apunba Lup today visited Sharmila at AIIMS Hospital where she is currently being detained without charge by Delhi Police.
Taking strong exception to the alleged forceful attempt of the State authorities to force feed her against her will, the statement noted that continued detention of Sharmila, whose health continues to be in critical condition, is a serious violation of her personal freedom and liberty.
Apunba Lup and Manipur Students' Association, Delhi are currently intensifying the campaign with students, human rights groups, intellectuals, civil societies and other well-wishers in New Delhi even as the sit-in-protest demonstration in demand of repealing the draconian Act continues at Jantar Mantar for the sixth consecutive day today.