Justice Verma Committee's report and AFSPA discussed
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, February 22 2014 :
A public meeting on the report of the Government of India Appointed Justice J..SVerma Committee and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 was held today at Umathel, Thoubal district, Manipur today.
M.Raghu, Councilor, Ward No.9 of Kakching Khunou Nagar Panchayat; Kh.
Mema Devi, Secretary of All Kakching Khunou Meira Paibi Welfare Association; Th.Ranjit, Social Worker and Kh.
Rajnikanta, Social Worker graced the event as presidium members while W.Basanta, Advocate and Th.Ranjit, Social Worker were among the resource persons who spoke on the occasion.
The event was jointly organized by Comprehensive Development Centre, Umathel, The Naharol Yaipha Thousil Lup, Social Development and Sporting Club and North East Dialogue Forum.
Speaking on the occasion, W.Basanta stated that under the shadow of AFSPA, security forces have committed systematic violations of human rights that cannot be derogated even in times of war and emergency.
He said that different commissions constituted by the central government and international bodies have recommended India to repeal AFSPA.
However, India ignores the recommendations and continues to impose the act.
He further stated that if India wish to continue imposition of AFSPA then India must declare emergency or war and strictly adhere to the International Law of War.
He added that it is also very sad that India willfully ignored the recommendation of Justice J.S.Verma Committee with regards to AFSPA in which the committee stated that security forces committing rape in lines of duty be trial in civil court even when AFSPA is in force.
The attitude shown by India by ignoring all kinds of recommendations concerning AFSPA is disrespecting the sentiment of the masses.
Basanta further stated that it is high time Indian security forces and armed opposition groups respect the International Humanitarian Law.
Ranjit observed that the indigenous people in Manipur have suffered long enough from the hands of security forces.
The people have been protesting against the imposition of AFSPA since 1958 .
Advocating repeal of AFSPA and investigate into all cases and deliver justice to the victims, he categorically stated that all kinds of military actions such as massacres, operations, rapes, tortures and enforced disappearances are nothing but crime of genocide, war crime and crime against humanity.