Fitting tributes paid to Pebam Chittaranjan on 17th Students' Martyrdom Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2021: The Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) observed 17th Students' Martyrdom Day today to commemorate the sacrifice made by Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang in demanding the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 from Manipur.

Members of MSF paid floral tribute at the Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang memorial complex at Thaning village in Bishnupur and observed a two minute silence to honour the 'brave heart' who gave his life on this day in 2004, said a statement issued by MSF.

Similar programmes were also organised at MSF branch office located at different districts including Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Jiribam wherein volunteers of MSF paid floral tribute to the portrait of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang.

Members of MSF also raised slogans against AFSPA 1958 and reaffirmed their stand against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958, which the statement said had no place in a democratic country like India.

Khangembam Bidyasagar, president of MSF, said even after more than 70 years of gaining independence, draconian laws like AFSPA continue to exist in the country.

He added that the Act was put into force in Manipur on September 9, 1980 and under the blanket of extra judicial powers offered to the armed forces under this Act, heinous crimes have been committed.

He added that AFSPA-1958 has no place in a democratic country like India.

Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang had set himself on fire on August 15, 2004 as a mark of protest against AFSPA and had succumbed to his injuries the next day on August 16, 2004.As a part of the observence, Athouba Pebam Chittaranjan Memorial Online Open Debating, Painting, Essay Writing and Photography competitions were also held.

Umar Nongjai of Kwakta Terakhongshangbi, Shrikant Thokchom of Kakching Bazar and Anamika Heirangkhongjam of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai got first, second and third prizes in Athouba Pebam Chittaranjan Memorial Online Open Debating competition, while Martin Tongbram of Jonjeng Hajari leikai (Pitambara English School), Venish keisham of Singjamei Leishangthem Leikai (KV Langjing) and Laiphrakpam Boshni of Haobam Marak Lourembam Leikai (Delta Advance School) won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in painting competition.

Shasiniya Sagolshem of Thoubal Achouba Pakhangkhong Leirak (Maharaja Agraseh College, University of Delhi); Moirangthem Winner of Uripok Khaidem Leikai won 1 st and 2nd prizes in essay writing competition while Lungthaithui Kamei of Senapati (Liberal College) and Linthoingambi Yumnam (Herbert School) shared the third prize in the same category.

Moirangthem Winner of Uripok Khaidem Leikai also bagged the first prize in Photography competition while Happy Photography of Heibunglok Village and Wangkhem Sanalemba Meitei of Kairang maning Leikai bagged 2nd and 3rd prize respectively.

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