Invisible Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 11 2014:
As observed in other parts of the North Eastern region, the Invisible Day was observed today at Manipur Press Club in protest against the approval given by the President of India on September 11, 1958 to the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
The function was jointly organised by some civil society organisations and MB College Assistant Professor Thangjam Homen, Sharmila Kanba Lup co-convenor Momon, Advocate Alakananda Kakati, CBSB School Tezpur academic head Barnali Sharma Barua and Delhi School of Economics researcher Seram Rojesh were seated on the dais.
Speaking at the gathering, Barnali Sharma Barua said that India may be a democratic country but its North Eastern region is yet to see any element of democracy.
This is exemplified by the prolonged imposition of AFSPA and rampant violation of human rights including the right to life in the region.
When Anna Hazare who hails from mainland India fasted for a couple of days, all his demands were considered favourably but the Government of India has been maintaining a deafening silence even after Sharmila has been fasting for 14 long years demanding repeal of AFSPA.
Such discriminatory treatment smacks of racist regime, she asserted.
Dr Homen Thangjam said that AFSPA has eventually alienated all the people of the North East region from other parts of the country as if the region shares no political relationship with the Government of India.
People of the region are yet to enjoy the real taste of democracy.
Questioning the credibility of the claim that India is the biggest democracy, Dr Homen remarked that AFSPA terrified all the people of the region and they are afraid to speak out their minds freely.
People are leading a wretched life because of AFSPA.
Such draconian laws should be scrapped totally without any further delay.