Anti Repression Day : Historic nude protest of 2004 recalled
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 15 2021:
Given the Covid situation in the State, the 17th Anti- Repression Day was observed in a low key manner at several places with strict adherence to Covid safety protocols, today.
The observance was held at Moreh, Jiribam, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Wangkhei (Imphal East), Uripok and Lamphel of Imphal West district while the main function was held at the conference hall of Human Rights Alert (HRA) at Kwakeithel, according to a statement of Observance Committee of Anti-Repression Day.
The main function organised by Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) was also live streamed on social media (Facebook page of HRA).
Anti-Repression Day is observed every year commemorating the decisive step taken by the 12 mothers who staged the nude protest in front of Kangla Fort, the then Assam Rifles Headquarters, in protest against the 'custodial rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama on July 15, 2004,' said the observance committee.
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Saying that the defiant act of the Meira Paibi leaders triggered a massive public protest against the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 (AFSPA), the committee added that months of civil disobedience movement was pacified only after the then Prime Minister promised to replace AFSPA with a more humane Act.
"The 'disturbed area' status under AFSPA was lifted from 7 Assembly Constituencies of Greater Imphal and the historic Kangla Fort was handed over to the people of Manipur due to the sacrifice of the 12 brave souls," it added.
Episode 1 of "Ema Tara Nithoi: The Spirit of Defiance (short video)" was released during the function at Kwakeithel, said the committee and maintained that 12 episodes of the documentary depicting the lives of the 12 brave mothers will be released every month.
The observance committee also wished speedy recovery of Ema Ramani and Ema Momon who are currently struggling with Covid infection.
The Lups that observed the day, on the other hand, are Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup; Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup; Thoubal Ima; Apunba Nupi Lup; Nongpok Leingak; Nongchup Imphal Palem Ima Apunba Lup; All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj and Tammi Chingmi among others.