Human rights defender speaks out against AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, April 20 2022: Noted human rights defender Babloo Loitongbam said today that Armed Forces Special Powers' Act (AFSPA) is an instrument of war.

"As such, how can one use the instrument of war in this situation?" he asked.

Babloo Loitongbam's comment came amid voices against what many organisations have termed as selective lifting of the Disturbed Area status in Manipur and the demand for total repeal of AFSPA by many organisations.

On March 31, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had announced the withdrawal of "Disturbed Area" status under the jurisdiction of several police stations in the valley districts of Manipur from April 1, 2022 .

Babloo Loitongbam told NNN that employment of AFSPA can be a "strategic blunder" .

He also said that AFSPA threatens National security.

"If one asks whether the Act is right or wrong, it is totally wrong," the noted human rights defender stated.

"It is used as a political tool", he added.

Babloo Loitongbam said that the "imposition of AFSPA is India's darkest spot" and continued to say that AFSPA challenges "human nature".

On being asked about the seeming meagre yields in spite of the protests against the Act for a long time, he said that the legitimacy of AFSPA has been nullified.

Further, Babloo Loitongbam said that popular movements will come and go.

"Perhaps, mass followings are momentary, but we have to continue standing firm based on truth even though we are ver less in number", he added.

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