JPF snaps financial ties with Irom Sharmila
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 27 2013:
Just Peace Foundation (JPF) has said that it has not only snapped all financial ties with Irom Sharmila but also stopped influencing her on 'personal matters' from today.
While speaking at a discussion session entitled, '16th Anniversary of Supreme Court Betrayal of the People of Manipur, North East and Kashmir' held at Manipur Press Club, JPF Managing Trustee Anandi said that the current bank balance of Irom Sharmila would be handed over to her.
She said that Just Peace Foundation would not have any financial sharing with Sharmila.
The account of JPF would start from 'zero' from today, she added.
Anandi said that the Foundation would stop 'influencing Irom Sharmila on personal matters' as well and maintain understanding with the marathon hunger striker regarding movement against AFSPA only.
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Speaking at the discussion session, Just Peace Foundation Executive Director Babloo Loitongbam said, Supreme Court's remark that AFSPA is constitutional has betrayed the people of the North East and Jammu and Kashmir.
Saying that no progress is witnessed in Manorama's case so far, Babloo opined that such is the indifferent attitude shown towards the people of the North East.
All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) President Khaidem Mani said that Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee had mentioned in its report submitted in June 2005 that 'AFSPA is a symbol of oppression, an object of hatred and an instrument of discrimination and high handedness' .
The committee recommended to repeal the Act, he said.
As the Government has not rejected the recommendation of the committee yet, Khaidem Mani demanded the Centre that AFSPA be reviewed instead of making minor amendment.
Saying that the controversial Act must be imposed only during the time of external aggression, Khaidem Mani said that even Union Minister Kapil Sibal had once expressed his opinion that 'AFSPA is unconstitutional' .
He also stressed on the need to repeal the Act after reviewing it by a larger Bench of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice of India.
As the inhuman Act is being imposed in the North East, people of this part of the country have been leading life like the animals restricted in zoos.
Advocate Angomcha Araba said that AFSPA has barred the people of the North East and JK from enjoying their rights enshrined in the Constitution.
In such a situation, indigenous people may get extinct one day, he observed.
Renu Takhellambam of EEVFAM and High Court Bar Association Secretary Jhalajit also took part in the discussion session.