Fitting tributes paid to Chitaranjan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2013 : People particularly students today paid their homage to Pebam Chitaranjan who self immolated in protest against the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act and observed the 16th Student Martyrdom Day.

The main feature of the observance was a silent rally which started from Takhellambam Leikai and wound up at THAU ground where a public meeting was held.

On the occasion, a voluntary blood donation camp was also organised.

Whereas the whole country was celebrating Independence Day on August 15, 2004, Pebam Chitaranjan pointed out that people of Manipur were yet to enjoy the fundamental rights to live.

Taking strong exception against the continuing trend of killing people by security forces, rape and murder of women and all kinds of atrocities committed upon the people, Chitaranjan self immolated on August 15, 2004 and he succumbed the next day, recalled MSF general secretary RN Koireng.

Students paying floral tributes to the photograph of P Chitaranjan on the Student Martyrdom Day at Jiribam on Friday

Irom Sharmila's crusade against AFSPA was already more than three years old when Thangjam Manorama was arrested from her own home on July 11, 2004 before she was gang raped and found shot dead next morning.

In denunciation of such sadistic and trigger-happy attitude of security forces, people launched a massive and sustained protest movements across the State.

The protest reached its pinnacle when Pebam Chitaranjan self immolated and this event would be etched in golden letters in the history of Manipur.

Today too, all kinds of human rights violation and harassments are being perpetrated in Manipur under the immunity guaranteed by AFSPA.

At the same time, the elected representatives have never once sincerely worked to repeal AFSPA.

RN Koireng went on to ask, "Is continued imposition of AFSPA aimed at obtaining greater share of central assistance for the State police modernisation scheme?" .

The observance held under the aegis of Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) was attended by MU Dean of Student Welfare RK Hemakumar as chief guest, MSF president Longjam Umakanta as functional president and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president Shyamjai, senior advocate Khaidem Mani and AMUCO president Dr Y Mani Khuman as guests of honour.