Apunba Lup vows to sustain its fight against AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 13 2016: On its 12th foundation day, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup has pledged to continue its movement to secure justice for the victims of AFSPA.

The umbrella body of 40 different civil society organisations of the State celebrated its foundation day at Lam-yanba Shanglen today.

Among others, Lup coordinators Phulindro Kon-sam, Ayekpam Langdong Leima, Sunil Karam, Jay Chingakham, AMKIL president Ph Sakhi, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president L Memchoubi, Kanglamei president Y Leirik Leima and KWDWA president AK Memcha Leima attended the function.

Phulindro Konsam while speaking at the occasion said that security forces had killed many innocent people and raped many young women in the name of counter insurgency operations under the cover of draconian AFSPA in Manipur.

Apunba Lup was formed by 40 different organisations on July 13, 2004 after Thang-jam Manorama was brutally raped and murdered by the Assam Rifles troops in the intervening night of July 10 and 11 at Ngariyan hill, he said.

Phulindro further said that Manorama was picked up from her Bamon Kampu residence by a large number of 17 Assam Rifles troops the same night.

He further said that the AR troops thrashed the woman in front of her family members before she was taken away.

Phulindro said that the troops mercilessly fired several rounds at the private part of the woman after she was gang raped.

Apart from the ghastly incident, security forces have been indulging in many inhuman harassments of innocent people, he said.

Phulindro said that Apunba Lup would continue their movement to secure justice for the victims of AFSPA and total repeal of the draconian law.

Ph Sakhi said that no Central security force personnel has been punished for indulging in merciless killing and human rights violation due to presence of AFSPA.

Saying that the Government has not paid heed to the prolonged anti-AFSPA movement of Irom Chanu Sharmila till date, Sakhi observed that people of Manipur would never be able to live in peace until the Act is repealed.

She cautioned that the State Government may face a people's uprising if they continue to ignore the people's voice.

Comment