Imphal, July 27: Strongly condemning brutal killing of Thangj am Manorama Devi in the custody of 17 Assam Rifles, All Manipur Government College Teachers' Association (Cadre-A Colleges), during a meeting held today has demanded revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act at the earliest possible.

The meeting held in the premises of the DM College of Science, Imphal with Dr A Dorendro in the chair further demanded punishment of those AR personnel involved in killing of the young woman after being arrested from her Bamon Kampu residence on the intervening nights of July 10 and 11.The meeting strongly felt that the repressive measures taken up by the Government to curb mass public protest/agitation and atrocities inflicted by the security personnel on the protestors and media persons should be denounced by one and all.

Taking serious note of violent protest agitation being pursued by the some section of the people, the meeting also appealed to all law-abiding citizens to desist from acts of arson and destruction of public properties.

Meanwhile, MPP Nambol Kendra Committee has put pressure on the Government for lifting the Act which has earned the sobriquet of draconian because of its notoriety following rampant abused by the security personnel.

The Committee also extended its full support to the public movement for revocation of the Act and punishment of guilty AR personnel involved in the killing of Th Manorama.

All Manipur Muslin Students' Organization, RIMS Firing Victims Memorial Trust, Khongyam Bright Star Youth Club, and National Congress Party, Manipur Pradesh have also extended their support to the demand for revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.

Meanwhile, extending their support to the ongoing public movement, Joint Administrative Council of AMTUC and AMGEO, All Manipur Meetei Mayek Research and Training Board, Nongmeikapam Gopal College Students' Union Kanglei Chanura Chaokhat Lamjing Lup, Hiyanglam; Ramji Pei (Thoubei), Sagolband for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Condemning the cremation of Manorama's body by the Govt without the consent of the victim's family members, All Manipur Ethnical Social-Cultural Organization has called upon both the people of the hills and valley to leave aside their differences and join the agitation launched by the 32 organizations for the removal of AFSPA.

In a statement, AMESCO stated that AFSPA which was imposed in the State to suppress insurgency movement in Manipur has completely failed in its endeavor and instead underground outfits have mushroomed rampantly in the State since its imposition.

Besides failing completely in containing insurgency in the State, the dreaded law is being used by the security personnel to eliminate innocent citizens in systematic manner, asserted AMESCO adding that peace and tranquility will only return to State when these draconian laws are completely removed from the State.

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