AFSPA challenges the very foundation of democracy: Khaidem Mani
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 09 2021:
Condemning the December 4 incident at Oting village in Mon district of Nagaland, wherein as many as 13 innocent civilians were killed by Assam Rifles, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has said that AFSPA should be repealed from the North East States.
MHRC acting chairperson Khaidem Mani said this at a press conference held at MHRC office at Lamphel and added that there is a need for the people of the North Eastern States to come together in the demand for removal of AFSPA from the region.
Mentioning that Chief Ministers Conrad Sangma and Neiphiu Rio have already demanded the removal of AFSPA, Khaidem Mani said Chief Minister N Biren Singh should also push the demand for the same at the Centre.
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Khaidem Mani told the media that removal of AFSPA can also be achieved by removing the 'Disturb Area' status from the State by a decision of the Cabinet.
MHRC had also directed the State and sought response in a number of occasion to remove the disturb area status from the State and repeal AFSPA.
The colonial era act which was placed to subdue the 'Naga Hostile' has no place now, he added.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 is a draconian law which challenges the very foundation of 'democracy' and should be repealed, he maintained.
Khaidem Mani informed the media that MHRC will be organising a panel discussion of human rights at Imphal Hotel tomorrow (Dec 10) as a part of International Human Rights Day observation.
The day is being observed to spread awareness to preserve, promote and protect Human Rights as per resolution of UN General Assembly.
There have been a number of reports or claims on media that freedom of speech and expression have been violated, but no one has come forth and filed a complaint regarding the same at MHRC, he added.
He appealed anyone who thinks that there rights have been violated to raise the complain at MHRC to do the needful.