Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 20:
Kicking off the campaign of Amnesty International against the prolonged imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in the North Eastern States, a� mass public rally was taken out in Imphal today.
The rally sponsored by Amnesty International, London was organised by its New Delhi Chapter in association with various social organisations of Manipur.
A large number of people including representatives of Meira Paibis, clubs, organisations and student bodies converged at THAU ground, Thangmeiband to take part in the rally right from early morning.
However, the rally was finally flagged off only at 12.30 noon.
The rallyists carried placards inscribing the names of the persons who have been killed, raped and disappeared after being picked up by security personnel since the imposition of the draconian Act.
They also carried banners/festoons with slogans like 'We want peace', 'Down with racist law', 'Give us food not boots and bullets', 'Justice delayed is justice denied', etc while shouting slogans demanding repealing of AFSPA, j ustice to the people and decrying the excesses of the security forces.
Heading towards the north from THAU ground, the rally snaked through Thangmeiband Lilasingkhongnangkhong, Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak and arrived at Lamlong Bazar.
From there, the rallyists proceeded toward the Minuthong Telipati road and New Checkoh and converged at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre where a public meeting was held.
Chairman of Manipur Human Rights Commission Retired Justice WA Shishak and senior member of Amnesty International India Babloo Loitongbam occupied the dais as chief guest and president respectively.
Noted female Manipuri writer MK Binodini was also present at the occasion as guest of honour.
Prof Riyajuddin Choudhury, former MHRC member Yambem Laba and retired Lt Col Sarat were among the host of dignitaries who spoke on AFSPA during the meeting.
Campaign Assistant of Amnesty International, India Ksh Onil was also present at the occasion.
In his address as chief guest, Shishak said that AFSPA has been imposed in Manipur and other North Eastern States long enough and now it would be removed.
People should continue to launch Anti- AFSPA campaign relentlessly until the Gov of India repeals the Act not only from Manipur but also from the whole North East region, he said.
In his presidential address, Babloo Loitongbam observed that the rally taken out today had shown to the world of the solidarity of the people against imposition of black laws.
Although AFSPA imposed for the purpose of counter insurgency, but it has failed to serve purpose.