Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) expresses concerned on AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 12 2012:
Levelling that the Government of India failed to advance human rights and justice when it did not accept the recommendations of the UNHRC to repeal the AFSPA which is still in force today in NE India, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) expressed grave concerned about the non-acceptance by India of this critical demand during the Universal Periodic Review Report of India on September 20, 2012 .
In a statement, the WILPF, in solidarity with all affected by the AFSPA, called on the Government of India to repeal the AFSPA immediately, which would positively contribute to ending impunity and reduce oppression and violence in the region.
Stating that the AFSPA continues to increase militarisation in the NE, augment impunity and facilitate human rights abuses including rape and other forms of torture, forced disappearances and killings of civilians, the statement pointed out that the provision of AFSPA providing legal immunity for all actions of Indian army officers create a culture of injustice and impunity.
Pledging supports to the efforts of peace groups in NE and particularly Irom Sharmila in combating the 'military regime,' the statement said that the WILPF section in India stated that the message carried by the hunger strike of Sharmila remains clear that the effects and impacts of the illegal AFSPA must
not be silenced.
The WILPF statement further called on all actors in the international community to support the calls to repeal the AFSPA as a matter of urgency.
It also recalled that the remarks of UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions during his visit to India in March 2012 who commented that AFSPA is a 'hated' and 'Draconian' law which has become a symbol of excessive State power' and it 'has no role to play in democracy' and 'clearly violates international law' .
The WILPF has also conveyed messages of solidarity to all affected by the AFSPA as they continue to struggle for justice, equality and peace while adding that the Government of India must respond to the demands to repeal the AFSPA.