Imphal, August 16, 2010: The 6th death anniversary of Pebam Chitaranjan, sacrificed his life by way of self immolation on this day in 2004 showing solidarity to the demand people's demand for repeal of Armed Forces (Special) Power Act, 1958, was observed today.

Offering of floral tributes to the photograph of the Chitaranjan at Bishnupur Bazar in Bishnupur where he self immolated and at Kwakeithel Takhellambam Leikai, Imphal where his last rites was performed and mass rally from Kwakeithel upto THAU ground, Thangmeiband where a public meeting held marked the anniversary observation.

Students, members of civil societies and people from different works of life took part in the rally and offering tributes organised by the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) under theme "Students Martyrdom".

The rally started from Takhellambam Leikai after offering floral tributes marched on the streets at Keishampat, Wahengbam Leikai, Khoyathong and converged at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband where the public meeting held.

Former member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, justice (retired) Lisham Rabindra, general secretary of Senior Citizens for Scoiety L Sadananda, professor of Manipur University, W Nabakumar, lecturer of DM College of Science and also secretary of the Minority Commission, Manipur, Md Rajauddin Sheikh, advisor of Zeliangrong Union, R Chandra Haomei, executive director of Human Right Alert, Babalu Loitangbam, former president of AMSU, Moirangthem Jibanlata, former president of MSF, Dr Kh Gourachandra and present president L Ibomcha were talked in the meeting among others.

Speaking at the meeting, MSF president, Laishram Ibomcha asserted that the objective of observing the death anniversary of Pebam Chitaranjan to aware his ideology that right to life is more important than right to education.

MSF takes that people of the state are yet to get the right to life under the double standard policy of the Central government.

Even though human rights bodies across the globe are against the AFSPA observing that it violates the right to life of the people, India government is still in deaf mute only to get their goal, he said.

Professor Nabakumar asked what the motive behind the continuation of the Act is even though the Act which was enacted for the protection of the life and properties of the people often violated the right to life of the people.

When representatives of the people failed to do works in the interest of the people, now time has come to a take concrete decision to teach a lesson to them, he added.

L Sadananda of Senior Citizens for Society, Chitaranjan sacrificed his life with the voice that India cannot suppress the right to life of the people of the Manipur and other Northeastern states.

He is the torch bearer of the people of the region in fighting for the right to life.

Before the meeting start balloon with massage of peace and singer Bobin presented a song on Chitaranjan.

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