MSF observes 17th Students' Martyrdom Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 17 2021: Commemorating the sacrifice made by its advisor Pebam Chittaranjan, who self-immolated in pursuance of the demand for repealing the black law AFSPA, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) along with is Bishnupur district committee observed the 17th Students' Martyrdom Day at Athouba Pebam Chittaranjan memorial complex located at Thaning Khun Maning, Bishnupur on Monday.

A two-minute silence was observed and floral tributes were offered as a mark of respect to Chittaranjan on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, MSF president Khangembam Bidyasagar denounced the government of India for not repealing the draconian 'Armed Forces Special Powers Act-1958' even after more than 70 years of independence from the British.

The Act is being imposed in Jammu and Kashmir and North East states thereby violating the fundamental rights to life of people living in these two regions.

The Act has been imposed in Manipur since September 9, 1980 and it has led to torturing of people for more than forty years in the hands of the central security forces.

Manipur, which was once a peaceful place has become a tormented one with central security forces torturing people with immunity guaranteed under AFSPA, he lamented.

Many women have been raped, molested and tortured under the shadows of the Act and many have become physically and mentally handicapped, Bidyasagar decried, while adding that Pebam Chittaranjan carried forward the movement against the black law by becoming a human torch as he feared that people of Manipur will surely become extinct if the draconian Act remains.

India, which claims itself as the largest democracy in the world, is imposing AFSPA in Manipur on the pretext of suppressing insurgency movement and is giving power to an even a simple non-commissioned officer to arrest, search and even kill on suspicion.

This has filled Manipur with the cries of the people, Bidyasagar maintained.

To make the world know about the draconian nature of this pro-military Act, Pebam Chittaranjan of Takhellambam Leikai, Sega Road decided to become a human torch (Meegi Meira) on India's Independence Day in 2004 and breathed his last the next day on August 16, 2004, he recalled.

The results of online competitions including essay writing, debating, painting and photography competitions conducted in connection with the observance were also announced by MSF president.

The prize distribution event will be held at MSF office conference hall on August 18.The students' martyrdom day was also held at the Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Jiribam district offices of MSF by paying floral tributes and observing two minute silence.

Moreover, slogans including 'Repeal black law AFSPA-1958 from Manipur', Government should respect right to life' and 'We will stand against AFSPA1958 at all times' were shouted during the observance.

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