Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 27:
Amnesty International, Imphal Group and Mapi Council today observed Anti Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Day and despatched a four-point memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh highlighting the reasons for observing the day.
The Amnesty International, Imphal Group has been observing November 27 every year since 2002 as Anti-AFSPA Day to protest the ruling of the Supreme Court on November 27, 1997 verdict approving imposition of the draconian Act under the Constitution of India.
The observance function held in the form of a Wakat Meepham at Palace Compound here began from 10 am and continued till 3 pm.
During the demonstration, the volunteers of Amnesty International, Imphal Group and Mapi Council covered their mouths with black clothes.
Talking to mediapersons after the Wakat meepham, co-ordinator of Amnesty International, Imphal group Rakesh said the ruling of the Supreme Court which led to promulgation of the Act which gives unrestrained powers to the armed forces in trampling the rights of the people was really unfortunate.
A four-point memorandum highlighting the reasons for observing Anti-AFSPA has been despatched to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today, he said, adding that the copies of the memorandum have also been submitted to the Governor and the Chief Minister.
Former members of Manipur Human Rights Commission Yambem Laba, who was also present at the occasion, informed that Human Rights Forum, Manipur had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Supreme Court ruling on the very next day of October 9, 1980 when the Act was promulgated in Manipur.
It would be wrong to presume that the case has been defeated, as it has been able to spread mass awareness among the people on the Act.
There is the need to lift the Act not only from Manipur, but also from the entire North Eastern region, he added.