Rights activists recommend AFSPA repeal
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 02 2014: Several human rights activists of the State have recommended to the Central and State Governments to repeal the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 immediately and give de jure recognition to the de facto armed conflict situation in the State.

The recommendations were made during a one-day discussion on "Armed Conflict, Right to Life and AFSPA, 1958 with Special Reference to Manipur" organized by All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) in collaboration with United NGOs Mission Manipur at Uripok Cheirap Court Complex here today.

The activists further recommended that all international humanitarian laws should be made applicable in the State and the Indian Government should become a party of the two additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions of 1977 .

They also recommended to the political armed groups/ armed opposition groups operating in the State and Northeast India to abide by Article 3 common to four Geneva Conventions as a minimum standard and sign the deed of agreement of Geneva Call.

The discussion was moderated by President of AMBA Khaidem Mani.

Executive Director of Human Rights Alert Babloo Loitongbam, Director of HRLN Rakesh Meihoubam, General Secretary of WAD Sobita Mangsatabam and Chief Editor of ISTV News Brozendra Ningomba attended as resource persons.

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