Survivor lives with scary, nightmarish memory
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19 2014 : Takhellambam Ranbir who survived after being hit by seven bullets fired by police commandos is now living with a scary memory and is in deep trauma.

Giving testimony of his experience at a workshop organised by the Thoubal District Network of UNM-M at youth hostel today on UN Laws of Armed Conflict and AFSPA, Ranbir recalled that commandos opened indiscriminate fire at a jeep which was returning from a publicity drive of Rural Academy (school) on Wangjing-Tentha road at around 7 pm of January 4, 2004 .

Apart from Ranbir, three lady teachers and a child of six years were seated inside the jeep.

Ranbir was hit by three bullets on the legs and another four bullets hit him on the back.

He was treated at RIMS for around four months spending Rs two lakh approximately.

He received monetary aid of just Rs 10,000 from the Government.

Although Ranbir survived the attack, it left a deep scar on his mental health.

The incident transformed Ranbir into a meek and sceptic person.

Moreover, he cannot walk any long distance.

Advocate Basanta Wareppa of Human Rights Law Network, WAD secretary Sobita Mangshatabam, Advocate Shivananda of Human Rights Law Network spoke as resource persons at the workshop.

The workshop adopted a number of recommendations, the foremost being abolition of AFSPA at the earliest.

Adherence to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol II of 1999, compliance with international humanitarian laws in armed conflict zone, putting an end to committing genocide in Manipur, investigation into criminal by setting up special investigation teams were some of the recommendations adopted at the workshop.

It further recommended armed opposition groups to stop fighting between factions but unite all factions.

Comment