No Let Up In Movement Against The Continued Imposition Of Army Act
Mass rally urges for AFSPA abolition
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 30 2012:
Demanding abolition or complete repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, a mass rally was taken out today at Kiyam Wangmataba, Thoubal under the aegis of the Centre for Women Empowerment which was followed by a public meeting at Kiyam Wangmataba community hall.
Significantly, the rally was organised as precursor to the series of trial lined up by the Supreme about killings in fake encounters in Manipur.
Many speakers addressing the gathering questioned the future of the society if the youngsters who are pillars of the society are killed whenever one wishes.
According to Meira Paibi leader Brajamani Devi, five innocent individuals belonging to Kiyam Wangmataba and Kiyam Heibong Makhong have been killed by security forces in alleged fake encounters.
Laishram Santosh (26), Hidangmayum Trishul (23), and Thingujam Chanchan (26), all belonging to Kiyam Heibong Makhong were allegedly killed by troops of 7 Assam Rifles Khekman Maning Dolaithabi.
Further, Yumnam Babudhon (27) of Kiyam Awang Leikai and Yumnam Romeo (29) of Kiyam Mayai Leikai were killed in cold blood by security forces after taking them innocent individuals into their custody.
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Observing that security forces are given extra-judicial authority to kill people at their whim by AFSPA, the speakers demanded immediate repeal of the same draconian law.
Memma, another Meira Paibi leader stongly condemned the act of killing innocent people after they were pick up from their respective homes on the false and fabricated charge of having arms and ammunition in their possession.
If the present trend continues, no youngster would be able to establish families, she warned.
The meeting adopted a number of resolution, the foremost being immediate repeal of AFSPA from Manipur.
Investigation of fake encounter cases by Special Investigation Teams and punishment of security personnel according to law, activation of International Criminal Court in India, delivery of socio-economic and political justice to the victims of AFSPA and initiation of political dialogue with all revolutionary groups at the earliest were other demands/resolutions adopted at the meeting.