Memo submitted to PM, HM against AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 03 2013:
Pressing for certain demands/ recommendations including abolition of AFSPA and initiation of a special policy for people victimised by the infamous Act, a memorandum has been submitted to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.
The demands/recommendations were adopted as resolutions during a public meeting held today Kwakta Bazar under the joint aegis of the United Community Development Platform Moirang, Women Group Against Discrimination Bishnupur, widows' groups of Kwakta, Upokpi, Khudekpi, Ngang-khalawai and Keirenphabi.
The main demands/ recommendations adopted at the meeting and highlighted through the memorandum are repeal of AFSPA, the Centre should acknowledge that the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission of India (2009) are the wishes of the country.
Apart from creating a highly insecure situation, imposition of AFSPA has also led to multiplication of insurgent groups.
In the meantime, atrocities by security forces have gone up and many families victimised by AFSPA have been pushed to abject poverty.
While many young women have been widowed, a greater number of children have been orphaned.
A large number of families are also enduring psychological impacts of AFSPA, observed many speakers who addressed the meeting.
The meeting resolved that the Government of India should initiate a special policy under which due care and support can be given to women and children victimised by AFSPA.
Another major resolution/recommendation of the meeting was initiation of political dialogue with insurgent groups for a lasting solution of the conflict situation being witnessed in the State.
To ensure all fundamental rights to the people of Manipur at par with people of other parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, secretary of the United Community Development Platform P Inao pointed that manu committee both based inside and outside the country have asked Government of India to repeal AFSPA but the Government of India has not flinched a bit.
Noor Rahaman of the Kwakta Youth Association and president of the All Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation Sitara Begum too spoke at the meeting.