P Chittaranjan remembered on Student Martyrdom Day
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 16 2014 :
Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang was fondly remembered on Saturday on the occasion of 10th Student Martyrdom Day.
Pebam Chittaranjan died by self-immolation in protest against prolonged imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur on the occasion of 58th Independence Day in 2014 .
Manipur Students' Federation (MSF) organised the 10th Student Martyrdom Day on the theme "To Excel Rights to Life" at THAU ground here to commemorate the sacrifice made by Chittaranjan.
Participating in the event, C Upendra, retired District & Sessions Judge, Manipur said Chittaranjan killed himself for the cause of the generations to come.
Justice Upendra regretted that the Government of India has not been paying heed to the reports of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee and retired Supreme Court Judge Santosh Hegde Commission which recommended review and repeal of AFSPA.
The Government is showing the world that it is following a policy of non-violence, a weapon first introduced by Mahatma Gandhi, but it has been unleashing violence against its people, Upendra said.
He accused the Govt of India of being 'totalitarian Government' and demanded it to revoke AFSPA wholly from the state.
People in large numbers paid homage to Chittaranjan on the occasion at Bishnupur Bazaar where he set himself on fire and died.
Hundreds of students also paid floral tributes at his photo at his native place Takhellambam Leikai in Imphal West.
From there, they set off a silent rally which culminated at the THAU ground.
Kh Serajuddin, president, MSF, Th Iboyaima, social worker, Prof L Sadananda, general secreatry, Senior Citizens for Society and several leaders of civil society organisations were also present at the function.