Repeal AFSPA call marks Manorama tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2024: The 20th death anniversary of Thangjam Monorama was observed by Thangjam Monorama Memorable Charitable Trust, Apunba Lup Manipur and her family at Bamonkampu Mayai Leikai community hall on Thursday.

During the observance, floral tributes were offered to the photo of Monorama.

Speaking at the commemorative event, Apunba Lup coordinator Phulindro Konsam recounted alleged rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by troopers of 17 Assam Rifles on July 11, 2004, that sparked state-wide protests for repeal of AFSPA from Manipur and led to the formation of Working Committee of Apunba Lup, which spearheaded the protests and remains steadfast in delivering justice to all victims of security forces' atrocities.

While declaring that the Lup will continue to demand complete withdrawal of AFSPA from the state as exemption of specific areas from purview of the draconian law will not help address the people's grievances, the coordinator recounted that even the Upendra Commission had termed Manorama's death as one of the most brutal crimes ever committed.

However, the culprits involved in the incident remain unpunished till date, he lamented.

While many new laws have been introduced in the state, the question is why AFPSA is being imposed in the north eastern states especially in Manipur for a long time.

It is simply a continuation of the colonial policy of stationing army in the state in the name of dealing with insurgency, when the goal is clearly to suppress the people of the state, contended the coordinator.

Phulindro then said that Apunba Lup will not relent till fulfilment of the people's demand, while urging those involved in electoral politics to see to the revocation of the Act instead of trying to deflect the issue as failure to do so could lead to re-imposition of the Act and reignite atrocities of security forces to an unprecedented level.

In his address, Charitable Trust president Thiyam Nilbir said that around 1528 people have been killed under the shroud of AFSPA, 1958, with the unofficial numbers likely to be much higher than the official count.

He then informed that the Trust, Apunba Lup Manipur and Manorama's her family have decided to build a memorial at Bamon Kampu Leitambi Chingdong Khongnangkhong.

The observance was also attended by Apunba Lup coordinator Joy Chingakham and Bamonkampu Khabam Meira Paibi president Hirom Landhoni among others.

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