17th death anniversary of Thangjam Manorama observed
Excesses under AFSPA recalled
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 11 2021:
The Working Committee of the Apunba Lup (WCAL), Manipur, Thangjam Manorama Charitable Trust, Bamon Kampu and family members today observed the 17th death anniversary of Thangjam Manorama who was 'brutally tortured and killed' by security forces.
The observance programme was organised at the residence of the late Manorama at Bamon Kampu with limited attendees who also paid floral tribute to the photo of the victim.
The programme was held with strict adherence to safety measures, said a press release of WCAL.
Speaking at the occasion, co-ordinator of Apunba Lup, Phulindro Konsam said that even as many countries have developed and emphasised on human rights, Manipur continues to live in a situation similar to the age when European countries were witnessing movement against feudalism, imperialism and colonialism.
Phulindro said that many suppressive measures and Acts adopted by the British continue to remain in force in North East States and Jammu and Kashmir in the name of militancy, National Security and law and order situation.
Indian political leaders had once protested the promulgation of Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance 1942 which was enforced throughout the Indian sub-continent.
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The ordinance was passed by the British Government and it became an Act.
Even as the British left India, the Act which was once denounced was reinforced with additional harsher provision and passed in Parliament as Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)-1958, he recalled.
The 'draconian Act' has been enforced in States of North East India and Jammu and Kashmir (now UT) by declaring the States as 'Disturbed Area' and it has resulted in custodial deaths, people disappearing without a trace after being dragged out of their homes, torture, physical and mental harrasment to many, he said.
The killings and torture which violate the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the United Nations thus remain in force in Manipur after AFSPA-1958 was enforced in 1980 subsequent to the declaration of 'Disturbed Area', he said.
Noting the recent killing of Mangboilal by a team of 44 AR and various charges levelled against the victim after the incident, he stated that many other persons have fallen victim in similar ways.
What has been most disturbing was the torture and killing of Thangjam Chanu Manorama after she was pulled up forcefully from her house by a team of 17 Assam Rifles posted at Kangla on the intervening night of July 10-11 in 2004, he recalled.
She was found dead on July 11 with multiple gunshot injuries on her private parts and thighs at Ngariyan Yairipok road.
The incident left everyone shocked and triggered a State-wide protest and call for revocation of the Act grew and justice for Manorama got louder, he said while adding that WCAL was formed amid the public outrage against the incident.
The State has witnessed various modes of agitation including general strikes, sit-ins, nude protests at Kangla Gate, mass Court arrest, non co-operation movement, he said while also recalling P Chitaranjan who immolated himself.
What was more disturbing was the police brutality during the protest agitations which left many injured, disabled and even dead while many were booked under NSA and made to languish in jail, he said.
While citing cases of fake encounters, killing of Rabina and Sanjit, exposure by Tehelka, confession by one of 'accused' from among the police, the convenor stated that the Apunba Lup will continue to stick to its demand for revocation of AFSPA-1958 and befitting punishment to AR personnel incolved in the murder of Manorama, the release said.
WCAL also drew attention of the State Government to ensure justice to the family members of Manorama.
It may be noted that AFPSPA-1958 was partly lifted from seven Assembly segments in Imphal Municipal areas following massive public outrage in connection with the brutal killing of Manorama.