Repeal AFSPA for 6 months on trial basis: NGOs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 23 2017:
Many NGOs and CSOs have expressed keen desire to repeal the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur for six months on trial basis.
A one day discussion programme on 'United Nations, Racism and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958' was held today at Manipur Press Club here under the aegis of Women Action for Development (WAD), North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNM-M), Conflict Widow Forum (COWF) and Youths Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) .
Speaking at the gathering, UNM-M secretary U Nobokishore remarked that security forces have been acting like a war is going on in Manipur but there is no war in the State.
There have been numerous reports about security forces killing civilians under the impunity guaranteed by AFSPA, he said.
All these cases of killing deserve fair trials and justice.
People are disgusted with the way the military has been over-shadowing civil administration in the State.
Even though successive Governments of the past could not repeal AFSPA from Manipur, the new Government should make extra efforts to get the draconian Act repealed, Nobokishore said.
People need to stand united against human rights violation by security forces.
There were reports about poppy plantation over 4500 hectares and all these plantations were near either police stations or Assam Rifles camps.
People ought to raise strong voice of opposition against smuggling of drugs and human rights violation by security forces.
FIRs should be filed promptly and due investigation should be done in accordance with the law when any civilian is killed by security forces.
Many international organisations have asserted that there is no reason for prolonged imposition of AFSPA in Manipur and the colonial-era Act should be repealed immediately but the Government of India has been paying no heed to all these calls, Nobokishore lamented.
All sections of society including political parties, intellectuals, CSOs, community leaders, religious leaders, media and the public need to stand united and struggle collectively to get the dreaded Act repealed.
The Imphal Free Press Editor Ph Pradip also spoke at the discussion programme.