MSAD observes Human Rights Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 11 2012: Manipur Students' Association, Delhi (MSAD) observed International Human Rights Day 2012 under the theme ARISE, AWAKE, FIGHT FOR JUSTICE at the Arts Faculty, University of Delhi yesterday.

The objective of the observance was to discuss human rights issues to ensure dignity and peace in the larger framework of politics, economy and society.

The program attended by about 30 participants was conducted by Ammon Rohen.

It began with an opening song by Okelo Yaikhom and was followed by welcome address by Herojit Leishembam, keynote address by Sapam Baniprakash, release of the booklet entitled Manipur na Maromdom Leppagi Hak (Naorem Sanajaoba, Ed., Imphal East Publication, 1996), interactive session moderated by Malem Ningthouja, and vote of thanks by Elangbam Samananda.

Okelo's song entitled 'Eche' (trans.

Sister), dedicated to hunger striker Irom Sharmila expressed lamentation over Sharmila's more than 12 years jailed life for the cause of defending rights without any positive response by the Indian state.

The song predicted a teleological spread of the human rights issue to wider scale and the final victory of justice.

His second song entitled 'India' described a blood redden India caused by corporate greed and communal genocide under the neo-liberal assaults.

The interactive session that began with circulation of documents was marked by storming discussion on wide ranging issues such as the historical background of the United Nations, the imperialist stake in it and capitalist reformism inherent in its functioning, the meaning and implications of the International Declaration of Human Rights 1948 in the colonial and semi-colonial situations, paradox of Indian State's commitment to human rights and neo-liberal interest; the exigency of defending democratic rights, and the path of progressive ideology and collective struggle to establish development, peace and democracy in Manipur.

An understanding was arrived at to continue with the interactive sessions periodically to spread awareness and actions.

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