AMKIL traces history of AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 11 2021: The Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) organized a function "Invisible 9/11", the 63rd anniversary of President of India giving assent to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, at the Multipurpose Hall of All Manipur Students Union, today.

The function was attended by acting chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission Khaidem Mani as chief guest, president of AMSU H Chalamba Meitei as guest of honour and president-in-charge of AMKIL Nganbi Leima as president.

Speaking to the media, Director of Human Rights Alert Babloo Loitongbam said that a recommendation has been submitted by the MHRC recently to remove 'disturbed area' status from Manipur within two months to the Government.

He urged the Government to do the needful at the earliest.

If the Government fails to take up any positive step, then the human rights organization along with CSOs will take up further course of action against the continued imposition of AFSPA in the State, Babloo added.

Following a direction of the Supreme Court, the CBI had submitted an investigation report of 39 alleged fake encounter cases, but due to non issuance of prosecution sanction the trial of the case is not proceeding, he claimed and contended that imposing AFSPA is akin to declaring war against the democratic set up.

He expressed hope that the Court will deliver justice to the victims of the fake encounter cases.

Advisor to AMKIL Khangembam Anandi said that AFSPA is giving impunity to the security personnel in the name of armed conflicts.

Citing the alleged murder and rape case of Th Manorama by the armed forces and various other crimes, she said, "it is our duty as a mother to fight against AFSPA and save the future generations from this black law".

She said that the people seem to forget that AFSPA is still active in the State.

During the function an audio recording on the topic "Sixty-three years of AFSPA in Manipur: A Historical Perspective" by Malem Ningthouja (author of India's War on Democracy: The debate on AFSPA, 1958) was screened.

Later, the gathering unanimously resolved to reiterate the long standing demand of the people of Manipur to repeal AFSPA and endorsed the recommendation of the MHRC.

It was also resolved to initiate mass action if the Government failed to fulfil the demand by November 2, 2021 .

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