AFSPA discussed at length
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, October 10 2014 :
The North East Students' Organisation (NESO) organized a one day North East Consultation on Human Rights with special reference to Armed Forces Special Powers Act at the Tribal Research Institute, Imphal, with All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) as the local host.
Auguster Jyrwa, general secretary, Khasi Students' Union (KSU), along with student activists, human rights defenders, meira paibis, survivors of AFSPA violence were present at the consultation.
After a thread bare discussion on the genesis and politics of AFSPA, adverse gender impact of the armed conflict and the increasing 'securitization of development' in the NE region, the consultation unanimously decided to pressurize the MPs from the NE to push for the repeal of AFSPA in Parliament.
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Sinam Prakash secretary general NESO in his keynote address pointed out that despite internal and external democratic pressure to repeal AFSPA the Government of India has been turning a blind eye to the issue for too long.
During the inaugural function former Chief Minister of Manipur Radhabinod Koijam who was the chief guest, related his experience of engaging the Prime Minister and the Home Minster on the issue of AFSPA.
He shared how an Army General vehemently opposed his suggestion, even though he could have the intelligence officials on his side.
Guest of honour Yambem Laba, former member of Manipur State Human Rights Commission narrated the story of how he along with his friend moved the Supreme Court of India to challenge AFSPA in 1980 and also encouraged the student communities not to shy away from India but to engage with them even if "you do not agree" .
Potshangbam Sonamani, President Manipuri Association North East India was the other guest of honour.
Samuel Jyrwa, Chairman NESO, called AFSPA a manifestation of racial discrimination against the North East people and emphasized the need to repeal such a draconian law.
He also pointed out that such consultation will be held in all the seven sister States of the NE before the next Parliament session.
The business session was a chaired by Lokendra Arambam, senior citizen.
Seram Rojesh, Anjulika Samon and Thagjam Homen presented expert papers.