Imphal rally demands repeal of AFSPA, end to violence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 10 2024: Thousands of people participated in a mass rally on Tuesday, to observe International Human Rights Day and to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, and end to the abduction and killing of civilians by Kuki militants.

The rally saw participation from various communities, including Meetei, Meitei Pangal, Naga, and Teli, with several tribal organisations leading their community members, reflecting the collective aspiration and determination of the people.

The event was organised by All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR), and Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) .

Protesters carried banners and placards with slogans such as "Won't allow disintegration of Manipur", "Self-determination is our right", "Repeal AFSPA 1958", and "Stop killing of civilians by terrorists", which echoed through the city as they marched.

The rally began from THAU Ground, with participants gathering from the early morning.

At around 11 am, the rally proceeded through Nagamapal, Khwairamband Keithel, Kanglapat Road, North AOC, and Minuthong, eventually culminating at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, where a public meeting was held.

Addressing the gathering, AMUCO president Nando Luwang thanked the public for their overwhelming support and turnout.

He criticised the Government of India (Gol) for ignoring the repeated appeals and memorandums submitted by the people of Manipur.

He described the rally as a form of mass memorandum and urged the government to honour the demands of the public.

If the Gol continues to ignore the voices of the people, Manipur may reach a breaking point, and the de mand for self-determination could arise, he warned.

Nando accused the Gol of attempting to disintegrate Manipur by inciting the diverse communities against one another, leading to decades of unrest and conflict.

He condemned the re-imposition of AFSPA in Manipur, calling it an outdated and draconian law that has led to countless atrocities against civilians, including outraging modesty of women, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah for turning a blind eye to the ongoing violence in Manipur since May 3, 2023, even as women and children are brutally killed.

While Manipur burns, the Prime Minister spends his time visiting foreign countries and spreading messages of peace and mediating between warring countries with the hope of winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But back home, his government re-imposed AFSPA, a law synonymous with oppression and human rights violations, Nando said.

He also lamented that despite the existence of the National Human Rights Commission and the state human rights commission, people in Manipur continue to live under the shadow of AFSPA without basic rights.

While pointing out the stark contrast between the global celebration of International Human Rights Day and the mass protests in Manipur, describing it as a matter of shame for the Gol, Nando urged the people of Manipur to reject the divisive tactics of the Gol and avoid targeting one another.

Taking up arms against each other will lead to nowhere as it is akin to hunting for fish in a desert, he said, emphasising that mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among all communities are essential for resolving the crisis.

He called on all the communities to recognise the Gol as the common adversary and to unite in the struggle for rights, security, and peace.

Once the people understand that the real enemy is the Gol, peace will return to Manipur, he concluded.

AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram highlighted the long-standing struggles of the people of Manipur since its forced merger with the Union of India.

He stated that the people of the state have been living in discontent and suppression ever since, a sentiment that persists among the younger generations and has further exacerbated more conflicts.

The imposition of draconian laws like the AFSPA has left the people of Manipur oppressed under the impunity enjoyed by the armed forces, he said.

Ito cited the cases of Rose and Thangjam Manorama as among the many incidents of atrocities committed under AFSPA, including unlawful killings and disappearances.

He pointed out that countless individuals have lost their lives, and many families are still grappling with the involuntary disappearances of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the state s youth have fallen victim to the growing menace of drugs, further deteriorating the social fabric, he rued.

The ongoing violence, which he described as 'engineered', has created a perpetual state of risk for the people, fostering enmity among communities.

Despite 19 months since outbreak of the current crisis, the central government has shown indifference, failing to take decisive action to resolve the situation.

There is no reason not to call the crisis an engineered one, Ito affirmed, adding that the government's failure to detect and deport illegal immigrants, which is its responsibility, has led to a situation where citizens are being pitted against illegal immigrants and even against one another.

He urged the society to critically analyse the situation, foster unity, and strive to protect the integrity and identity left by their forefathers.

In her address, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur secretary Th Apabi drew inspiration from the resilience and courage of the ancestors and reminded the gathering of their forefathers' refusal to kneel before enemies or retreat from battlefields.

"We need to revisit our history and draw motivation from the bravery of our forefathers," she said, while terming the current crisis as a "proxy war engineered by the Government of India" and urged the people to recognise the real enemy behind the violation of their rights.

COHR chairman Phulindro Konsam also echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that AFSPA is a colonial-era law that has been widely rejected, even by the United Nations.

He highlighted the atrocities committed by armed forces under the law's protection and criticised the Government of India for implementing divisive policies designed to create rifts among Manipur's diverse communities.

The UN has repeatedly recommended the repeal of AFSPA, yet the Gol continues to enforce it, ignoring international calls and the suffering of the people, he condemned, while describing the current crisis as a manifestation of these divisive policies and urging the people to recognise this reality in order to work towards sustainable solutions.

Through the march, the participants chanted slogans against the re-imposition of AFSPA and the killings of six people, including three children, in Jiribam district by Kuki militants last month.

Woman demonstrator S Nirupama said, "On the occasion of Human Rights Day, we want to affirm that the people of Manipur stand strongly against the continued imposition of AFSPA in the state as well as against the killings of innocent women and children by Kuki and Zo militants.

The Imphal valley and Naga areas have suffered much under AFSPA, which is a tool for killing civilians in the name of fighting militancy".

Security in the capital was beefed up in view of the rally, and no untoward incident was reported during the procession, police said.

The Centre has recently reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur's six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam.

The AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary for the "maintenance of public order" .

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