MSF prepares for Chittaranjan tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 12 2021:
Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) would be observing Students' Martyrdom Day, 2021 under the theme 'To Excel Right to Life' in commemoration of the supreme sacrifice made by Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang in protest against AFSPA-1958, on August 16 at MSF head office.
Addressing a press meet in this regard at its office on Thursday, MSF president Bidyasagar said that the government is not doing anything to repeal the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, which is being misused to violate the rights of.
the innocent civilians of northeast states and Jammu & Kashmir.
For over 40 years, people of the two regions are facing various challenges with their rights to life being violated by state actors.
Atrocities by state and central forces under the Act have made the state a society full of issues and cries of the victims.
The lives of several women whose dignities have been violated with impunity guaranteed under the draconian Act and the uncertain fate of the people motivated Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang of Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai to sacrifice his life as a human torch while demanding the government to repeal AFSPA 1958 .
Chittaranjan, one of the advisors of MSF, set himself on fire on August 15, 2004 while shouting the slogan 'it is better to die rather than dying every day' and succumbed to burn injuries the following day.
On August 16, MSF will begin the observance with Yakairol from 5 am and then offer floral tribute at his memorial site at Bishnupur at 8 am.
However, the observance function will be a low key affair in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.
Similar observances will also be held at all district offices of the Federation by offering floral tributes, Bidyasagar said, while appealing to the people of the state to light candle at their respective homes on the day to mark the supreme sacrifice made by the martyr.