Pebam Chittaranjan remembered
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 16 2020:
Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) today observed the 16th death anniversary of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang.
The main function was held at Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club ground in Imphal West.
Later, MSF volunteers paid floral tributes at the memorial site of Chittaranjan in Bishnupur.
The function held at Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club ground was attended by MSF president Sajad Buiyamayum, AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang, COHR chairman Phulindro Kousam, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president L Memchoubi as presidium members.
Leaders of CSOs and student organisations also attended the function.
Speaking at the function, MSF president Sajad Buiyamayum said the student body has been observing the day every year since 2005.But this year the function has been organised in a scaled down manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, Manipur, after the independence from the British rule on August 14, 1947, was allegedly forcefully merged into the Indian Union in 1949.Till today the revolt against the forcefull merger still continues, he said.
In the name of suppressing the revolting groups, AFSPA 1958 has been imposed in Manipur.
Under this black law, the Indian Army has killed many people, he claimed.
Numerous incidents of rape, molestation, fake encounter, torture in custody, missing persons cases, were reported, he continued.
One incident that spark quite an uproar in Manipur was the incident of 2004, when 17 Assam Rifles personnel picked up Thangjam Manorama Chanu from her residence at Bamon Kampu and killed her in a fake encounter case after mercilessly torturing and raping her.
The people of Manipur were heartbroken by the incident and started a strong protest movement, he said.
Chittaranjan, who was a student leader, in order to encourage the people to fight against the injustice, immolated himself on August 15, 2004, on the day of India's Independence Day.
He died the following day.
To honour the "Athouba," MSF has been observing the day every year, he said.
The Indian Army cannot turn Manipur into a practice ground and do whatever they want.
MSF will always stand against the imposition of AFSPA, he added.