India should shed black laws, uphold human rights: AMUCO's vice president
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 05 2018:
Womenfolk of Tera Lukram Leirak on Wednesday continued the month long protest against "cold blooded murder" of Gurumayum Jiteswar Sharmp alias Gypsy, Th Satish, Thounaojam Prem, RK Ranel and Phijam Naobi allegedly by the 3 CISU of Indian Army.
Demanding that the mortal remains of Jiteswar and Satish be handed over to the family members and appealing an investigation of the alleged extra Judicial killings of the persons by an independent investigation agency, JAC against the alleged extra Judicial killings, in association with Committee on Human Rights (COHR) Manipur, AMUCO and other organisations have been staging relay protests across the State since August 5 .
The series of sit-in was started from Singjubung Leirak, Imphal on August 5 .
Speaking at the sit-in today, Chairman of COHR Phulindro Konsam reiterated their claim that the security forces stationed in the State had violated human rights and lives of many innocent civilians.
"Despite a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, there has been no sign of any positive step taken so far in the matter," said Phulindro condemning the State Government and Centre for their failure to address the JAC's demands and safeguard human rights.
AMUCO's vice president, Modhuchandra condemned an alleged statement made by the Chief of Army Staff regarding cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with alleged extra Judicial killings in the Supreme Court.
The Chief of Army had reportedly stated that he was anxious at the decision made by the Supreme Court.
"The statement of the Chief of Army shows that the largest democracy in the world is behind the black laws," he asserted and advised the Government of India that India should repeal and revoke the black laws including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, if it want to become a permanent member of the United Nation's Security Council.
India should shed the black laws which promote human rights violation, he said.
Deeply concerned with the "inaction" of the State Government regarding the matter and their demands, joint secretary of Chanura Liching Lup, Kangjam (O) Ibecha said that the 60 legislators including Chief Minister N Biren should resign on moral grounds that they are not able to deliver justice for the victims.
State Government should not remain a silent spectator, it should act in accordance with the aspirations and will of the people, she said.
The sit-in demanded befitting and stringent punishments to those army officers and personnel involved in the cases and appealed immediate withdrawal of AFSPA 1958, the "root" of all the alleged extra Judicial killings and violence in the State.